Dunkar Cave 1: Man Riding on a Ram

CHINA, Tibet, Ngari; Guge Kingdom

This mural, located on the south wall of Cave 1, depicts a male figure riding a white ram. The dark blue background contrasts with the figure’s light red clothing and the white ram. The male figure has fine eyebrows, a high-bridged nose, and a mustache. He wears a wide-brimmed hat, leather boots, a long, light red robe with blue hems and a blue collar. A bow and arrows hang from his belt. He holds the reigns in his right hand and rests his left hand on his side. Two figures with human bodies and animal heads walk in front of and behind the rider. A white eagle flies above, and a hound runs beside the ram.