A POLYCHROMED TERRACOTTA TSATSA OF NARO KECHARI MONGOLIE, XIXE SIÈCLEA POLYCHROMED TERRACOTTA TSATSA OF NARO KECHARIMONGOLIE, XIXE SIÈCLE Himalayan Art Resources item no. 205200 30.5 cm (12 in.) highA POLYCHROMED TERRACOTTA TSATSA OF NARO KECHARIMONGOLIA, 19TH CENTURY蒙古 十九世紀 彩陶那若卡居空行母擦擦A tsatsa is a type of votive tablet depicting a hollowed, reversed image of either a stupa, sacred symbol, or a one of the many deities from Vajrayana Buddhism. Its Tibetan name, which translates to 'earth-imprint,' is associated with the Sanskrit word for 'holy image' or 'reproduction' (sat-chaya), as well as 'stamp' or 'mold impression' (canchaka), which is derived from the Prakrit word for modelling (sacchava or sacchaka). In traditional methods, tsatsa are formed with clay, where it is pressed using a wooden, stone, or metal mould and then left to dry. In modern practices, more durable materials such as resin, plaster, hydro-stone, or even pewter are used instead.To Tibetans, the creation of a tsatsa is an action that accumulates merit and mental well-being. Students are often tasked with the making of 100,000 tsatsas within their lifetime. It is one of the five preliminary practices in Vajrayana Buddhism – a method to eliminate obstacles, purify negativities, and create positive energy. Tsatsas are normally displayed on altars, shrines, or modes of transportation; inside stupas and prayer wheel niches; and at holy sites such as meditation caves, mountains, and lakes. Smaller tsatsas are placed inside a gau, or a portable shrine, and are used as protective amulets by travellers. Regardless of their size or where they are placed, these tablets represent the protective blessings and magical properties imbued within the body of the Buddha. In some cases, the incorporation of sacred substances into a clay mixture, such as the ashes, hair, or powdered bone of a deceased lama or a revered lay practitioner was meant to enhance the potency and efficacy of a tsatsa.