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Silk brocade with gold thread decoration, embroidery, cotton; height 31 centimeters, width 28 centimeters; on loan from the National Museum of Paro
This hat represents a specific deity. As soon as a medium in trance puts its on, the deity takes possession of him. Man can now come into direct contact with the deity and, for example, receive information about the future or ask for support in the fight against harmful influences.
Tunic (shingkha), wool, wool and silk applique; length 121 centimeters, width 97 centimeters; on loan from the Völkerkundemuseum der Universität Zürich
Tunics of this kind are nowadays only worn by the women of the Kurtö region at rituals for the mountain gods. The wearers emphasize that this is not everyday wear. In many villages, these are only allowed to be worn by women from the most important families.
Swords, iron blades, silver and brass handles, wooden sheath covered with hide, casing made of wool and cotton, length 93 centimeters; on loan from Tobgye S. Dorje
As real weapons of war these swords have served their duty. Today, however, for the protective deities they are still stored in special altar rooms. During certain rituals they are used for war dances.
Respected men, dressed as warriors, dance for the pleasure of the protective deities. During this, they wear the type of weapons which were still used in battle at the turn of the century.
Each temple houses an altar dedicated to a protective deity. Here they find a place of refuge and are offered sacrifices, which only wrathful deities demand. Only a few are permitted to open the shrine doors. For the uninitiated, the terrifying sight of the wrathful deity would be harmful.
Photograph by Christian Schicklgruber
Respected men, dressed as warriors, dance for the pleasure of the protective deities. During this, they wear the type of weapons which were still used in battle at the turn of the century.