Himalayan Art Resources

Tibet: Goose Valley

Goose Valley | Tibet Main Page | West Tibet: Murals

The location of the images is far West Tibet. Above a salt lake is a small group of caves. In the largest cave are two partially destroyed stupas. Originally the sides of the stupas were decorated with paintings.

The stupa on the left has a lower square structure. Adorning the square are depictions of the life story of Shakyamuni Buddha. The upper vase-like portion of the stupa depicts various Tantric deities. A form of Vajrapani and retinue is immediately recognized among the many images.

John V. Bellezza 1-2012, Tibet Archaeology