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

Image 3d

This image features four wild herbivore amulets that were probably produced in pre-Buddhist times. From left to right they can be identified as ram, antelope (?), ram, and ibex (?). The two rams are identified by their short horns that curl around the head. The antelope (?) has ax-like design on its body, not unlike that found in certain rock art depictions. The animal on the far right, with its long horn sweeping over the back, most resembles an ibex. On the base of this figure is an engraved swastika. While ibex compositions do not appear in Tibet, this animal is strongly represented in the rock art of adjoining areas of Ladakh, Spiti and Baltistan.

all text & images © John Vincent Bellezza


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