Symbols and Meanings

Learn about the art and objects from Himalayan cultural regions and the visual language (iconography) used to convey the meanings of figures and symbols representing religious ideas and concepts.

Relationship of Buddhist and Hindu Deities

Buddhist and Hindu traditions spread side by side in the same communities in India and Nepal, and some of the deities in the two religions are associated with similar myths.

The same groups of artists often created both Hindu and Buddhist images, and artistic depictions of these deities share a visual language that originated in India, including hand gestures, body postures, and implements. Some local communities across the Himalayas, both Hindu and Buddhist, celebrate several deities and their images in daily rituals and at annual festivals. It is common for a deity to go by different names based on where it is worshipped and by whom.

Objects in the Exhibition

Wrathful Deities
There are two kinds of deities that appear as wrathful, with flaming hair, bulging eyes, open mouths showing fangs, and garlands of severed heads.
Hindu Gods and Goddesses
Various religious practices now collectively called Hinduism worship a diverse group of gods (deva) and goddesses (devi).