Dakini (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

16th century
Nepalese
gilded copper alloy, gemstones
Nepal
Overall (without base): 4 1/2 × 4 3/4 × 2 in. (11.43 × 12.07 × 5.08 cm)
91.485
Not on view
This dynamic figure is probably a Buddhist dakinis, a female embodiment of enlightened energy. Dakinis frequently act as muses or guides for spiritual practice. Striking a highly controlled, militant pose, she wields a rattle drum and a ritual staff in her upper two hands and a skull cup and chopper in the lower pair. A garland of severed heads adds to her ferocity, as does the crown of skulls that pulls back her hair, which falls in luxuriant waves down her back.
Gift of Orrin Hein
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

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