052
The Benefactress, Palden Lhamo ("Goddess Having Glory")
Thangka, painting
Cotton support with opaque mineral pigments in waterbased (collagen) binder
16.0 x 22.0 inches
Central Tibet
Ca. 18th century
Menri Serma style
Shri Devi, better known as Palden Lhamo in Tibet, is one of the eight most important protective deities of Tibetan Buddhism. She is also the protectress of the Dalai Lama and the city of Lhasa. Her most identifying characteristic is the khyang, a mule-like wild horse from Central Asia, that is notoriously untrainable. However, the power of the goddess enables her to control the animal and ride it with ease. This symbolizes her ability to offer protection through controlling the negative forces of nature.
Natalie Marsh
Museum #: 91.001.018
Huntington Archive Image Scan #: T1053