Sitātapatrā,

18th century

Sitātapatrā, the Goddess of the White Umbrella, is a powerful Buddhist deity. Viewed as a protector, she can eliminate obstacles in everyday life. Her thousand heads, arms, and legs allow her to watch over all those in need. The figure’s main face bears a slightly menacing countenance and is flanked by two peaceful faces, revealing her multiple guises. She is adorned with jeweled ornaments and wears a flowing, tiered skirt. In one hand she holds a Dharma Wheel, representative of the Buddha’s teachings. The other hand would have held a parasol, now lost, symbolic of her protective capabilities and representative of her name. Sitātapatrā became a popular deity in the mid- to late seventeenth century in Tibet, during the leadership of the fifth Dalai Lama, who was particularly fond of the deity. This example was most likely produced in or around the Tibetan city of Lhasa for a local monastery.