Human world
Painting thangka of Sarvabuddha Dakini - 'the dakini quintessence of all Buddhas' Naro Khachodma - 'Naro the sky cleaver' (Tibetan)
Tibeto-Chinese, second half of 17th century
Accession Number 68.36.4
The dakini's role is to protect the secret Buddhist teachings and to introduce others to their wisdom. Here Narodakini holds a chopper to cut off harmful attachments and she drinks the life-giving blood of wisdom from a skull cup. She represents selfless wisdom and tramples on the figures that symbolise selfishness.
You can learn more about this piece in our special interactive [opens new window] based on the World Cultures gallery.