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Sukunda Ritual Lamp

Nepal, Newar

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 251

Buddhist and Hindu Newars in the Kathmandu Valley inaugurate life events with the Sagan ritual, in which a household’s female elder lights the Sukunda lamp and makes food offerings. In this example, the dish-shaped lamp is presided over by Ganesha and his consort flanked by rearing lions. Amid this auspicious imagery, skulls ringing the vessel waist speak to Ganesha’s fearsome protective powers.

On view from November 19, 2022 – June 16, 2024

Sukunda Ritual Lamp, Copper alloy, Nepal, Newar

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