Spear (Mdung)

Unknown

17th–19th century · Iron, gold, silver, wood, pigment · Arms and Armor

The decoration on the spearhead and shaft indicate that this spear was intended for ritual use, probably by an oracle. The spearhead is damascened in gold and silver with the motif known as "dry skulls," surrounded by stylized intestines. These are among the attributes of the fierce guardian deities and would be appropriate for a weapon intended for the chapel of such a deity, or for an oracle acting as a medium for one.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th–19th century

Medium

Iron, gold, silver, wood, pigment

Culture

Tibetan

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Purchase, Kenneth and Vivian Lam Gift, and Funds from Various Donors, 2004