Statues --> Tibet

Tibetan Buddhism has become famous all over the world for its aura of mystery and sacredness. It is based on the worship of Siddhartha and the philosophy of "Karma" as physical and spiritual evolution that through the compassion of all beings lead the faithful to the final enlightenment of Nirvana.
Protector deity of the "religious law" is called Mahakala and plays a leading role in Tibetan Buddhism. His name "Lord of the tent" suggests his popularity because historically the Tibetans were a nomadic people and the tents have always been an important form of protection and the basis of their life style.

Mahakala is the personification of different beings according to the circumstances of life and every being has its own look and personality.
More frequently Mahakala is depicted in wooden or copper statues with his tipically ferocious expression nacessary to break down the barriers and the negativity on the way for the illumination.
The third eye, above the eyebrows, expresses the wisdom of omniscience and its role as guardian and protector.

Another constant detail in the depictions of Mahakala is a crown with five skulls that remind the victory on the five "emotional obscurations", wrapped in her flaming hair.

This mask, which well represents the spirit of the Buddhist people of Tibet, is still used in ceremonies to protect crops from damage by hail or other atmospheric agents. It is used also as a antidote because with his anger and his power can enter into the sick body and neutralize the evil. In the villages' houses there is always a Tibetan Mahakala mask on the wall .