Dakini (Primary Title)
Unknown (Artist)
The formidable female buddha Vajrayogini appears in many different forms. Most common are Vajravarahi—like the bronze in the case to the left—and this figure, known by a variety of names including Naro Dakini. Dakinis (sky walkers) are powerful, enlightened beings who can grant miraculous powers and reveal shortcuts through the eons of time typically required to reach spiritual awakening. Victoriously trampling corpses representing the poisons that bind us to ordinary existence, Naro Dakini parts the lips of her fanged mouth to drink blood from a skull cup once held in her raised hand. Also missing is a curved knife in her right hand and the ornaments of human bone that once would have adorned her otherwise nude body.
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.
