The Dorthy Methvin McClatchey Collection
Garuda Pendant
Nepal
1994.34.114
20th Century
This
large pendant is typical of those worn by Buddhists in Nepal
and Tibet. The piece consists of a silver base covered with
a pictorial mosaic comprised of turquoise, coral and lapis
lazuli, materials of symbolic significance to many inhabitants
of Central and East Asia. Since Buddhism developed out of
Hinduism, many of the Hindu deities remain in the Buddhist
cosmology as protectors. The central diety on this pendant
is Garuda, the "Bird of Life" in Hindu mythology.
He is flanked by two celestial beings. In mythological scenes
Garuda is often depicted flying across the sky carrying the
supreme god Vishnu and his wife Lakshmi. Garuda is traditionally
presented as a human with an eagle's beak and wings. This
figure is often seen with outstretched wings and a snake in
his mouth.