Tibetan Thangka, 19th century. "Guru Dragpo and the guardians". Painting on cotton. It presents marks of use and wear. Measurements: 47 x 34 cm. In his iconographic form, Guru Dragpo is typically represented with a fierce and dynamic aspect, as we appreciate in this thangka. He holds a spear in one hand and often rides a lion or a tiger, symbolizing his dominion over negative forces and the protection of sentient beings. He is surrounded by "guardians" or "Dharmapalas", protective deities who safeguard Buddhist principles and Dharma practitioners. Tibetan thangkas are Buddhist banners, painted or embroidered on silk, other fabrics or paper, which can be rolled up. They were hung in monasteries and family altars, and occasionally carried by monks in religious processions. Originally, thangka paintings were popular with itinerant monks, as scroll paintings were easy to transport from one monastery to another. They were also important teaching tools, depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha, prominent lamas and bodhisattvas.