Artwork preview

Mahakala, Protector of the Tent

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Black deity with four arms, large teeth, and a protruding tongue, surrounded by a necklace of human skulls. The deity has a crown of human skulls on its head and is adorned with gold jewelry. It holds a drum in its right hand and a curved object in its left. The background is predominantly red with intricate designs and patterns. There are numerous smaller figures of people and deities around the central figure. The image is framed by a dark blue border.

Artwork details

Date:
ca. 1500
Medium:
Distemper on cloth
Culture:
Central Tibet
Dimensions:
519 × 624 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette