Vintage Tibetan amulet wallhanger Garuda

Vintage wallhanging amulet made in the traditional Tibetan Buddhist style in which a symbol or figurine is combined with a banner of multi-layered silk brocade with tassels.

The multi-colored, shiny and elaborate applique banner represents the auspicious blessings of the jewels of the dharma being sent forth as multi-colored rainbow light. This typical style of fabric usage can be found in many different applications in Himalayan regions; as a small banner in amulets such as these or as handle for ritual attributes (quite typical for Tibetan shang bells for example), but also in much bigger items such as the meters-long "shambu" wall decorations or the high "chukor" ceiling hangings in temples and monasteries.

This wallhanger features a brass pendant of Garuda.

Garuda is a deity and mythological creature known in Hinduism and Buddhism. His origin can be traced back to India, but from there his influence and importance has spread to China, Japan, South-East Asia, Tibet, Indonesia and Thailand. Naturally, over the different regions and traditions, the stories and highlighted aspects and dynamics of Garuda may vary a little, but they have also a lot in common.

Garuda is depicted as a creature half men - half eagle. As an eagle, he is king of all the birds. In Tibet he is called Khyung and associated with the 'bon khading', a golden horned eagle. He is said to have such enormous wings, that they are able to block the sunlight and their flapping makes the earth shake. 

It is said that his body is surrounded by such a dazzling glow, that he was mistaken for (and thus worshipped as) the firegod Agni by the gods. Garuda is often depicted as the mount of the god Vishnu, but he is also an important god in itself. 

In a lot of the traditional stories, Garuda is the arch-enemy of the naga's; snake- or dragon-like creatures with a very dual and often very dangerous nature. The 'bump' on top of his head, between his horns, conceals a jewel stolen from the serpent-king, which he obtained in Mount Meru. This jewel is believed to grant its possessor the power of having control over all snakes.

Also as a symbol of his dominance over the serpents, Garuda is often depicted with an adornment of the 'Eight Great Snakes' as ornaments on his body; one in his his hair, one as a belt or necklace, two as earrings, two as bracelets and two as anklets. 

Some of his nicknames also refer to this dynamic of Garuda; 'nagantaka' (naga-killer), 'pannaganasana' (dragon-slayer), 'sarparati' (enemy of snakes).

It is this characteristic as devourer of the snakes, that made Garuda also find his way into some classical shamanic lineages, where he can be of assistance for (mostly black) shamans when doing heavy extraction work in healing rituals. 

Sizes; the Garuda pendant is 9,5 centimeters wide and 8 centimeters high (including the eyelet). Total length of the wallhanger including the fabric (but measured without the tassels) is 20 centimeters. Total weight is 84 grams.

This wallhanger is from vintage origin. The signs of its age can be especially seen on the Garuda pendant, there is some dark oxidation / dirt accumulation on it. Most of this can probably be removed again with some good cleaning. The brocade fabric and tassels are in good condition.

Only one available.