figurine; represents Tara, female companion or counterpart of Bodhisattvas, who intercede with the latter for humans; right leg extended, right hand, palm out-stretched, rests on knee; lotus plant near left shoulder; seated on lotus plant; for devotion, worship, contemplation; Tara is popular, approachable, and can be interceded with, without the help of a lama. She is thought to be the female energy (sakti) of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara
Donor:
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Ready, Jr. Fund
Collection place:
Tibet
Object type:
ethnography
Object class:
Figurines
Function:
5.1 Religion and Divination: Objects and garb associated with practices reflecting submission, devotion, obedience, and service to supernatural agencies