Mountain God Kula Khari (Tibet), 19th century, painted terracotta, 9-7/8 x 8-1/4 x 4-5/8 inches; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2002.7.3 (HAR 65079)
A conversation with Dr. Karl Debreczeny, Senior Curator, Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art and Dr. Beth Harris
The Rubin’s Senior Curator Dr. Karl Debreczeny and Smarthistory’s Dr. Beth Harris introduce us to the Mountain God Kula Khari, whose fierce power is on display in this 19th-century sculpture. A local protector god, Kula Khari occupies a mountain in Lhodrak, south of the Tibetan capital of Lhasa and near the border with Bhutan.
The Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art has teamed up with Smarthistory to bring you an ‘up-close’ look at select objects from the Rubin’s preeminent collection of Himalayan art. Featuring conversations with senior curators and close-looking at art, this video series is an accessible introduction to the art and material culture of the Tibetan, Himalayan, and Inner Asian regions. Learn about the living traditions and art-making practices of the Himalayas from the past to today.
Learn more about Kula Khari on Project Himalayan Art, a resource from the Rubin for learning about Himalayan, Tibetan, and Inner Asian art and cultures:
● Learn more about this mountain god: https://projecthimalayanart.rubinmuseum.org/essays/mountain-god-kula-khari/
● Read more about Tibet’s indigenous Bon religion and its relation to the natural world:
https://projecthimalayanart.rubinmuseum.org/essays/thread-crosses/
https://projecthimalayanart.rubinmuseum.org/essays/bon-deity-trowo-tsochok-khagying/
● See a painting of a Bon deity also dressed as a Tibetan warrior:
https://rubinmuseum.org/collection/f1997-14-2/
About the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art
The Rubin is a global museum dedicated to presenting Himalayan art and its insights through exhibitions, participatory experiences, a dynamic digital platform, and partnerships. Inspired and informed by Himalayan art, the Rubin invites people to contemplate the human experience and deepen connections with the world around them in order to expand awareness, enhance well-being, and cultivate compassion.
View the Himalayan Art Up Close series: / playlist
Subscribe to the Rubin Museum YouTube channel: / @rubinmuseum
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