Simhavaktra

Simhavaktra, a lion-headed dakini, is one of the angelic figures in Tibetan Buddhism. Dakinis fly from heaven with inspiration for mortals. As with many Tibetan figures, the sculpture appears menacing-a tough female surrounded by skulls and flames-yet she is actually a protector and helper of Buddhist monks. On her torso is the holy chakra symbol, the wheel of the Buddhist law.