Lords of the Cemetery

Artist

Mongolian (Mongolian)

Date

19th century

Medium

Wood, papier maché, pigments

Dimensions

Work : 27 9/16 x 21 x 10 3/4 in. (70 x 53.3 x 27.3 cm)

Credit Line

Hope College Collection, Gift of David Kamansky and Gerald Wheaton

Object Number

2021.21.25.A-E

Label

The Lords of the Cemetery (Shmashana Adhipati) take the form of two dancing skeletons, one male and one female. The male skeleton brandishes a bone club and holds a skull cup brimming with blood. The female skeleton holds a stalk of grain and a magic vase. The Lords of the Cemetery were traditionally invoked in various tantric rituals to protect against criminals and to bring material gain.