DASHI NAMDAKOV (b. 1967)
She-Guardian
2003
Bronze, Cast, and Patinated
116 x 28 x 30 cm
Edition of 15 + 3FP
DAS-037
Guardian sculpture by Dashi NAMDAKOV combines the image of a feline predator with blade-sharp wings that rear menacingly behind the lioness’s back. Her snarling jaws and ready claws speak of a primal urge to attack anyone who might threaten her offspring. However, within shamanism and Buddhism such symbolic images of wrathful creatures are traditionally used for deterrence. They are defensive rather than offensive, guardians rather than marauders. Works like She Guardian reflect Namdakov’s self-proclaimed quest to follow ancient art traditions; they show him balancing on the brink between classical European sculpture and the archaic oriental practice of creating images for profound spiritual purposes.