ABS 302
Code: ABS 302
Country: Mongolia
Style: Khalkhas of Outer Mongolia
Date: 1700 - 1800
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 37
Materials: Wood, with remains of painted decoration
Chitipati – Lords of the charnel grounds
The Chitipati or “Lords of the charnel grounds” are a pair of skeletons not unlike the medieval tradition of the Danse Macabre or the Mesoamerican figures of the Day of the Dead. These brother and sister deities are linked to the Chakrasamvara yidam cycle. Legs intertwined in a dancing position with their feet resting on conch shells, the man brandishes a bony stick topped with a skull, while the woman holds an ear of grain and a vase of wealth. Ritual texts describe them as very frightening, and in addition to their spiritual powers they are said to protect against thieves. They are guardians of the charnel grounds, the high places of tantric practice.
The Chitipati or “Lords of the charnel grounds” are a pair of skeletons not unlike the medieval tradition of the Danse Macabre or the Mesoamerican figures of the Day of the Dead. These brother and sister deities are linked to the Chakrasamvara yidam cycle. Legs intertwined in a dancing position with their feet resting on conch shells, the man brandishes a bony stick topped with a skull, while the woman holds an ear of grain and a vase of wealth. Ritual texts describe them as very frightening, and in addition to their spiritual powers they are said to protect against thieves. They are guardians of the charnel grounds, the high places of tantric practice.