A large copper portable shrine or gau with a hand painted image of the female protector Palden Lhamo. 98 mm x 80 mm x 15 mm

 

Above: Dorje Palmo or Vajravarahi with a garland of skulls. 

Copper with faint traces of gilt. 12th Century. 5.9 cm x 3.9cm

The Dorje Palmo shown above is one of my favourite pieces housed in The Ashmoleum Museum in Oxford, England. They have a wonderful collection and it is well worth paying them a visit.  Dorje Palmo (also Phagmo) or Vajravarahi is seen in her typical dancing posture and wears a garland of human skulls. The head of a female pig can clearly be seen protruding from her own head. This symbolises the complete dispelling of ignorance.

A 13th to 14th century Phurba, currently housed in The Ashmoleum Museum in Oxford, UK.