Item: Mahakala (Buddhist Protector) - Panjaranata - Retinue Figure

Singmo (Tibetan: sing mo): a wrathful femal protector belonging to the group known as Putra Mising Nga, the five outer retinue figures of Panjarnata Mahakala of the Sakya Tradition. The first two of the five are a couple, Nagpo Nujin and Nagmo Nujin (Black Rakshasa and Black Rakshasi), followed by their three children, two sons, Putra and Batra followed by a daughter, Singmo.

The special iconographic features for Singmo are a daemon (rakshasa) appearance, gold razor held upraised in the right hand, a skullcup in the left, wearing black garments and breathing flames from the mouth. She is sometimes depicted holding intestines in the left hand.

Separate from a red tongue clearly visible when observing the actual sculpture, a wire can be seen extending from the mouth. This wire is the support for the wood or papier mache flames which are now missing.

Jeff Watt 1-2004