Object

The Shabdrung, clay, painted; 17th century; H: 28 cm.; loan from the Sammlung für Völkerkunde, St. Gallen
It's assumed that this statue is a true portrayal of the founder of the state.

Mask, cotton cloths with painting; size: 45 cm x 25 cm; loan from a private collection
Masks for religious dances are produced out of wood or glued textiles. With this mask the dancing monk represents a guard at a place of cremation.

Mask, paper mache; height 32 centimeters; late 19th century; on loan from Josette Schulmann
  The mask represents a deity (ging) from the heavenly paradise of Guru Rinpoche.

Mask, paper mache; height 31 centimeters; late 19th century; on loan from Josette Schulmann

Mask, paper mache; height 30 centimeters; late 19th century; on loan from Josette Schulmann
The mask represents a wrathful deity; peaceful gods often take on this appearance in order to overcome malevolent powers.

Buddha Shakyamuni, the historic Buddha, who lived and taught in northern India 500 years before our time.

The Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the founder of the Bhutanese state in the 17th century.

Guru Rinpoche, the Buddhifier of the Himalayan region in the eighth century.