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Metal
and Stone Vestiges
Religion, Magic and Protection in the Art of Ancient Tibet
Image 11a
This pictograph is composed of a standing ithyphallic figure in close proximity to an animal that is goat-like in appearance. There is some question as to whether the two components of the pictograph constitute an integral composition. The symbolism encapsulated in this probable early Buddhist period painting is obscure. The standing man or god with long arms and unmistakable male genitalia alludes to the themes of virility and domination. The man and animal in close quarters seem to speak of fertility and procreation, and could have been created as a fetish for these purposes. |
all text & images © John Vincent Bellezza
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