Artwork Details
Culture
Creation Date
Materials
Dimensions
15-3/4 in.
Accession Number
Credit Line
Orville A. and Elma D. Wilkinson Fund
Copyright
Collection
Color Palette
Provenance
(H. M. Lissauer), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; purchased by the Indianapolis Museum of Art (1976).
Gallery Labels
This nine-piece ensemble consists of several robes, a shawl, boots, breastplate, hat, and a crown. Made from imported silk and metallic brocade fabrics, the outfit was worn by a Tibetan Buddhist oracle during trances and religious ceremonies. In Tibet and in other parts of the Himalayas, oracles act as mediums between the natural and spiritual worlds, and play an important role in religious and governmental affairs.
Three eyes are appliquéd on the front of the hat. The “third eye” also known as the inner eye, symbolizes enlightenment and wisdom in Buddhist iconography. Here, the three eyes indicate the vision and knowledge of past, present and future. The crown is decorated with five skulls, which signify the union of the “Five Buddhas of Wisdom” and represent five virtues of Buddha.
Exhibition History
Exhibition Name
Venue
Dates
Indianapolis Museum of Art
August 4, 1999 - October 15, 2000
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