Pehar (Worldly Protector Deity) c. late 17th century

This Tibetan painting depicts Pehar, a worldly protector deity, and was made by an anonymous artist. Pehar is a complex figure whose history reflects the complicated politics of Tibetan Buddhism. Originally a spirit subjugated by the founder of the Samye Monastery in the 8th century, Pehar became associated with the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism in the 17th century. We see him here as a fearsome figure, riding a snow lion amidst flames, surrounded by attendant deities. The Gelug school gained political dominance with the support of the Mongol Empire. It established a system of reincarnating lamas, with the Dalai Lama as its head. Protector deities like Pehar, adopted from earlier traditions, became important for legitimizing the Gelug school's authority. Further research into the history of Tibetan Buddhism and its relationship with political power can help us better understand the social role of this painting. The meaning of art is always contingent on historical context.