Thanka of Hierachs of the Sakya Lineage c. late 17th century

Curator: This is a Thangka painting, specifically a representation of the Hierarchs of the Sakya Lineage, dating from the late 17th century. It’s currently part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection. It's rendered in tempera. What's your immediate reaction? Editor: It has a captivating stillness about it, doesn't it? The repetition of seated figures and the ethereal backgrounds create a very contemplative atmosphere. Curator: Absolutely. And consider the social and historical context. Thangkas like this served not just as art, but as instructional tools, illustrating complex Buddhist teachings and lineage. They acted almost as visual resumes, legitimizing spiritual authority. Editor: That layering of figures vertically certainly establishes a hierarchy, but it also evokes a powerful sense of continuity. Those haloes, for example – what do they signify in this lineage? They're rendered in very distinct colors. Curator: The blue and orange haloes, you'll find, signify different levels of spiritual attainment. Colors throughout Thangkas possess symbolic weight, dictating importance and character. Gold is usually used for deities and those closest to enlightenment. The figures are meticulously placed in order of seniority. It’s really a painting about power structures. Editor: I am intrigued by the repeated hand gestures too. Look, nearly every figure has a specific mudra. Aren’t those gestures meant to symbolize different aspects of teaching or states of being? Curator: Precisely. Those gestures communicate layers of meaning. For example, the figure making the vitarka mudra, symbolizes transmission of Buddhist doctrine. Each gesture has resonance that stems from centuries of ritual and belief. Considering the work's purpose, how do you think it plays into the establishment of Sakya legitimacy during its period? Editor: To me, the consistent symbols and colors project a deliberate effort to establish and reinforce cultural memory, providing the sense of an unchanging, eternal spiritual heritage. Curator: Precisely! By embedding specific codes within the image, these Thangkas served as incredibly effective instruments for maintaining power and control, particularly relevant amidst political rivalries during the late 17th century. Editor: Understanding the iconography opens up the work's profound capacity for linking visual memory with religious meaning, ensuring the continuity of tradition. It’s more than simply aesthetic. Curator: And in its cultural milieu, an object imbued with potency and purpose! Thanks, this insight brings an essential layer to this painting.