Jowo Rinpoche
What color is his hair?
blue.
Why is the stool considered more important than any King?
Because Kings are mortal, but the stool represents the eternal spirit of the nation.
How is it placed?
sideways
Who brought it to Tibet?
A princess.
Does it touch the ground?
No (it sits on a throne)
What do the attached metal bells represent?
Defeated enemies and the warning of danger.
What kind of authority does this object represent?
Political power and national unity.
What are the blue stones?
Turquoise.
Is it for one person?
No, it's for the whole nation
Why is the stool always displayed on its side?
To prevent anyone (humans or spirits) from sitting on it.
Which culture and modern-day country does it belong to?
The Asante people of Ghana.
How did it arrive in Tibet?
As a wedding gift
How old is this Buddha?
12 years old.
What precious material covers the carved wood?
Gold (Gold leaf / Repoussé).
What is the term for the "soul" of the people kept inside?
The Sunsum.
What is the right hand doing?
Touching the earth.
Jowo: What does the name "Jowo Rinpoche" mean?
"Precious Lord.
Sika: According to legend, where did the stool descend from?
From the sky (or the heavens) in a cloud of dust.
Sika: Who is the only person authorized to touch it?
The Asantehene (The King)
Jowo: What material is the statue made of?
Gilt bronze (gold over bronze) with jewels