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

Image 8b

The lower thokcha depicts a highly stylized horse with three jewels on its back. Dating to the pre-Buddhist or early Buddhist period, it closely corresponds to the horse in the stone plaque. This is further evidence of an indigenous lungta tradition that developed prior to or independent of Buddhism. The upper specimen, a plaque without any attachment points, is made of yellow bronze (li ser). This specimen can also be attributed to the pre-Buddhist or early Buddhist period. It exhibits horses rendered similarly to the other examples shown. The pair of horses carries something on their back, which may well be jewels. Between these capering horses is a single sphere of unknown function. It might possibly represent the sun. As in the stone plaque, the horses tower above three mountains and what is probably clouds billow overhead.

all text & images © John Vincent Bellezza


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