The Mongolian & the Tiger

This antique wall fresco is in the entrance foyer of the
Ugen Choling manor in the Tang Valley of central
Bhutan. It was painted after the manor
was rebuilt following an earthquake in 1897.

The image has its origin in Tibetan history and
represents the power that the Mongols had over
ancient Tibet. The tiger, chained and controlled by
the Mongolian, represents Tibetan religious schools
and the dominance that the Mongols had over them.

( note courtesy of Rainbow Photo Tours)
People would paint this scene in their entranceways to
show their support for the Mongols and thus save their
households from plunder.

The scene made its way to Bhutan in the 16th century
and through time evolved to represent protection
from all harm.