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

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The two wild sheep head amulets are attributed to the pre-Buddhist period. Both specimens have one horn missing due to breakage. For display, these large, thin cast heads were probably mounted on some type of backing. The two heads are powerfully rendered as if they possess a divine quality. The large round eyes of the specimen on the right reinforce this preternatural aura. Although their general appearance and body position is more reminiscent of goats, the pair of short-horned animals contained in the circlet might also portray wild sheep. The loophole definitely identifies this object as having been made for suspension from the body. This thokcha either dates to the pre-Buddhist or early Buddhist period.

all text & images © John Vincent Bellezza

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