027
The Buddha Matri ("Mother of Buddhas"), Shyama ("Beautiful,
Dark") Tara
Metal, sculpture Brass and "cold gold" paint
13.0 inches high without base
Tsang District
Ca. 12th century
Derived from the Indian, Pala school
Shyama Tara is the main benefactress of Tibetan Buddhism. Devotion to her
promises a practitioner protection and salvation from all evils and obstacles.
In this representation, she stands in the "thrice-bent" posture
displaying the bestowal gesture with her right hand. In her left hand she
holds the stem of a blue lotus which represents wisdom.
Wendy Kaiser
Museum #: 94.009
Huntington Archive Image Scan #: T1030