A Gilt Bronze Figure of Mahakala

This finely cast gilt bronze figure of Mahakala, one of the primary protector deities in Himalayan and Tibetan Buddhism, is depicted striding in alidhasana atop the elephant-headed Vignataka, with his six arms outstretched and holding various implements. The figure is dressed in a tiger skin with a garland of skulls hanging from the waist. Compare with a gilt bronze figure of Mahakala in the Prague Nation Gallery, which displays nearly identical modeling of the hair, face, jewelry and accoutrements (HAR item no. 57657).