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The primary figure at the bottom center is a tortoise, a metaphor for creation. On the tortoise’s belly are concentric circles that illustrate, from the inside out, the nine magic numbers (sme ba dgu), the eight trigrams (spar kha brgyad), and the twelve animals of the zodiac, which, combined with the five elements, form the sixty-year cycle of the Tibetan calendar. Along the sides are rows of sigils, each representing a negative spirit. These symbols bind those spirits in a contract agreeing to not to harm the displayer of the image. Along the top, Indian deities, planetary deities, and important stars are shown guarding against maladies like epilepsy.
Protective Astrological Chart
OriginTibet
Datelate 18th or early 19th century
Dimensions49 1/4 × 36 1/4 × 2 1/4 in.
MediumPigments on cloth
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art, Gift of Namkha Dorjee/Bodhicitta Art
Object numberC2006.71.11
Himalayan Art Resources Number65764
Project Himalayan Arthttps://projecthimalayanart.rubinmuseum.org/related/protective-astrological-chart/
DescriptionThis Tibetan astrological chart is an auspicious talisman and an instructional tool that is believed to bring good fortune to all those who see, display, or possess it. Such charts can often be found hanging on the walls of Tibetan houses and are commonly engraved on amulets worn or carried on one’s person.The primary figure at the bottom center is a tortoise, a metaphor for creation. On the tortoise’s belly are concentric circles that illustrate, from the inside out, the nine magic numbers (sme ba dgu), the eight trigrams (spar kha brgyad), and the twelve animals of the zodiac, which, combined with the five elements, form the sixty-year cycle of the Tibetan calendar. Along the sides are rows of sigils, each representing a negative spirit. These symbols bind those spirits in a contract agreeing to not to harm the displayer of the image. Along the top, Indian deities, planetary deities, and important stars are shown guarding against maladies like epilepsy.
Not on view
18th century
mid-18th century
18th century
19th century
16th century
19th century
19th century
ca. 17th century
19th century
18th-19th century
15th century