An unusual antique, 19th Century or earlier tsakli depicting in mineral pigments the crown of a wrathful deity - the crown with a diadem of 5 grinning skulls each tipped with a jewel or 'norbu' above a filet of a writhing, scaly serpent which holds back the deity's yellow hair. To each side of the crown is a red silk celestial scarf, which is tied at the 'neck' and the 'tail' of the serpent. 8.9 x 11.4cm
Tsakli are ritual or initiation cards used in ceremonies such as empowerment, and are a visualisation aid designed so a lama or practitioner can carry all he or she requires to invoke deities or their ritual implements and create a mandala for a ritual wherever it may be needed.