Central Asia, Himalayan Region, Nepal, ca. 19th century CE. A fierce cast brass tantric deity known as Mahakala, the Tantric wrathful protector of Dharma, standing upon the prone body of the elephant headed god, Ganesha. Ganesha is the Lord of Obstacles and will place roadblocks on the path, in Hindu practice he is worshiped to remove obstacles and called upon the god before embarking on new endeavors or journeys. Mahakala is elaborately adorned, dressed in a tiger skin, wearing a skull headdress, earrings, necklaces, snake around his waist, and other skull themed attire. In this depiction he has 8 arms each holding implements, and Ganesha has 4 arms and holds his attributes upward. In Buddhism Mahakala overcomes / destroys obstacles in his path and by subjugating Ganesha, Mahakala symbolizes overcoming obstacles and worldly attachment to wealth. Size: 6" L x 3" W x 8" H (15.2 cm x 7.6 cm x 20.3 cm); 10" H (25.4 cm) on included custom stand.
Mahakala is a tantric figure and a manifestation of Shiva, known as the "Great Black One" or "Great Time." Time is believed to be the destroyer of all things and is therefore symbolically associated with death. Mahakala means the "Great Black One" or "Great Time" as Kala means time. According to Meulenbeld's "Buddhist Symbolism in Tibetan Thangkas" (2004) "Time is seen as the destroyer of everything and everyone, and therefore equated with death. On the one hand time is eternal, without beginning or end, always continuing. On the other, this eternity consists of little portions of time that are finite, like human life."
Provenance: private Loveland, Colorado, USA collection
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#177607
Condition
Age commensurate wear, nicks and softening to finer details. No restoration or repairs. Dark patina and toning, and remains of red pigments.