| Thogchags are an art form seemingly unique to Tibet. It appears to be the only place where these pieces of bronze casting are currently held in such high esteem, relics of a long past era holding a position in the present mythology and belief system of a living culture. Clearly, some of these bronzes represent an integral component of a pan Central Asian pre-Buddhist material culture. With my interest in the pre-Buddhist origins of the Tibetan weaving tradition, | I believe it is important for students of this culture to understand the roots of the tradition, of which these bronzes are a part. Some of the animal imagery seen in rugs is present as well as other devices normally attributed to the Buddhist religion but actually pre-dating the introduction of Buddhism, ie. the "endless knot" motif. Studying these bronzes is an interesting exercise, certain to enrich our appreciation and understanding of the Tibetans as a people and, specifically, the weaving tradition. |
Garuda/Khyung, also known as the 'king of the birds'. The Khyung is believed to fly higher than any other creature. 14th century.
An exquisite example of the Khyung, the ancient eagle deity of Tibet. The Khyung is one of Tibet's seminal symbols with links to clan origins- Mountain deities, warrior deities (dra lha), sky burial, and Buddhist and Bonpo didactic concepts.
An exquisite example of the Khyung, the ancient eagle deity of Tibet. The Khyung is one of Tibet's seminal symbols with links to clan origins- Mountain deities, warrior deities (dra lha), sky burial, and Buddhist and Bonpo didactic concepts.
In Tibetan Buddhism the Khyung became combined with the Indian Garuda. Khyung Thogchags range from the Bronze Age to the late Buddhist era. Early Buddhist period.
the Thogchag Garuda 19th century
Type A
Type B
