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

Detail: close up of the heads 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 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.

Back to Eleven-headed Avalokiteshvara

all images and text © Bowers Museum and Tibet Museum