Palcho Monastery Kumbum Stupa Shibyedpa Shrine: Dampa Sangye

CHINA, Tibet, Gyantse

Dampa Sangye was a Mahasiddha from southern India who traveled several times to Tibet during the late 11th and early 12th centuries, bringing foundational Vajrayana teachings and practices. The figure’s coloring is deep red, with contrastingly white hair and facial hair, including a mustache and beard. An intricately tied topknot with matted locks falls to his shoulders. Dampa Sangye is depicted with a lean face, hollow cheeks, a pronounced nose and the rounded eyes that usually portray Indians. The rest of his body is adorned with jewelry. Forming a mudra, both hands are confined within the yogic body band that also holds the knees in place as the figure squats barefooted upon the lotus throne.