067
The Dharmapala, Begtse or Chamsing
Metal, sculpture
Copper alloy with polychrome
8.5 inches
Eastern Tibet (Kham or Amdo region)
Ca. 17th or 18th century
Indeterminate style
Begtse ("hidden-coat-of-mail") is dressed in a suit of armor and is an important protective deity in Tibet. He is also the chief protector of the Mongolian Buddhists who follow the Tibetan tradition. Begtse's main attributes are a scorpion-handled sword and the heart of a vanquished enemy. He stands on a horse's carcass and a human corpse.
Tom Suchan
Museum #: 95.009
Huntington Archive Image Scan #: T1063