Clay Votive Plaque (Tsa-Tsa) of Bhairab or Bhairava, Nepal, circa 18th century

Clay Votive Plaque (Tsa-Tsa) of Bhairab or Bhairava

This devotional votive plaque or tsa-tsa was made by pressing clay into a metal reverse-mould after which it was fired. It appears to show the multiple-armed form of Bhairab or Bhairava, one of Nepal’s most popular deities, and has remnants of red ochre colouring.

Such tablets were acquired by devotees and pilgrims as acts of merit, often at religious sites, as mementos and talismanic or protective keepsakes. The plaques often were made in one location and carried by pilgrims to be left at a site in another location, perhaps in a cave or at an important shrine.

The example here has obvious age and patina and is in a fine, stable condition.