Eleven-headed Avalokiteshvara Tibet, 19th – 20th Century

Norbuglinkha Collection Photo Courtesy of Bowers Museum A masterpiece of fine art and religious expression, this spectacular sculpture presents the most important Tibetan Buddhist deity, Avalokiteshvara. The exquisitely wrought details include the deity’s one thousand arms, forming a halo around the figure. One thousand eyes appear, one on each palm. Tibetans believe Avalokiteshvara can see all misery and alleviate all pain. They also believe the Dalai Lama to be a physical manifestation of this all powerful deity, who has limitless compassion for all living beings. Detail: close up of the heads

all images and text © Bowers Museum and Tibet Museum