A set of eight fine Mongolian Drawings on paper, 20th century, [8], depicting peaceful deities, wrathful deities, men making offerings & an elephant, Tsakali cards were used by travelling Buddhist teachers moving from one monastery to another in order to teach & initiate others in Vajrayana Buddhist teachings. When laid on the ground in the form of a mandala, they functioned to create a fixed sacred space like that of a temple. The deities shown on these initiation cards can include the Tathagata Buddha's, various bodhisattvas, fierce protectors, & the possible realms of rebirth. Provenance: Todd Barlin collection. 13 x 10 cm