Meaning:
- The tiger is an important deity which is feared and worshipped all over Eastern Asia. In Tibet the tiger is considered a powerful god living underground where he has to guard an enormous treasure. Many local deities assume the figure of a tiger, or they are represented as such. The tiger dance was developed in the times before Buddha, and it is closely related with Shamanistic forms of religion. In the tsam the tiger serves Yama (also Mahäkäla). This figure appears only rarely, and then in representation of the lion.
(According to popular belief, these four figures (tiger, lion, deer and bear) bring along peace and well-being for the peoples.)
Characteristics:
- - yellow-and-brown striped face colour
- - tiger head
- - animal nose and wide-opened jaws with ripper teeth
- - only a crown made from skulls carrying two aureoles
- - long dress
Attributes:
- In one hand he holds a trapping loop.