Museum Explorer
Gods and spirits in Asia
A sky-walker
From: Tibet
Date: 19th century AD
This bright painted figure is a dakini, which means 'sky-walker'. Dakinis were female spirits who had special wisdom and magic powers. This one is called Sarvabuddhadakini which means 'Dakini of all the Buddhas'.
In her left hand Sarvabuddhadakini is holding a cup made from a skull and filled with blood. The shapeless object beneath her feet is actually a dead body, which shows that she has the power to destroy evil.
