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Metal and Stone Vestiges
Religion, Magic and Protection in the Art of Ancient Tibet

Image 10a

This pictograph of what appears to be three dancing figures with long robes was probably painted in the early Buddhist period. The regimented position of the arms strongly indicates an attitude of dance or an alternative ceremonial behavior. The dancers have one arm raised. The large dancer on the far left is shown with its right arm akimbo. This more adeptly painted figure may have been created prior to its two companions. Much of the red ochre comprising this anthropomorph has been removed through the localized percolation of water over the painting. The impression conveyed is that these figures represent humans but the large figure on the left could potentially have a divine identity as well.

all text & images © John Vincent Bellezza


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