Tibetan Gilded Bronze Machig Labdron Statuette

A finely modelled gilded bronze statuette depicting Machig Labdron, a renowned 11th-century AD Tibetan Tantric Buddhist practitioner, master and yoga teacher. The female figure appears seated in Dhyanasana, with her legs crossed and her feet facing up on a lotus flower-shaped base. She is portrayed wearing an elaborate headpiece and holding a Dril Bu bell in her left hand and a Damaru drum in her right hand. Further attributes of this historical figure include the third eye to the forehead and the wearing of bone ornaments, such as necklaces, bracelets, armlets and anklets. The statuette features a hollow base in order to contain Buddhist relics, which were placed inside before sealing it. Statuettes, such as this beautiful example, were placed in temples and shrines, as a way to accrue the merit needed for good karma in Buddhist religion.