Butter lamps illuminate Buddhist altars during daily prayer and special ceremonies. The light provides clarity to help one overcome ignorance. Traditionally, lamps burn clarified yak butter, although today readily available butters and oils may be used. This example uses precious material — silver, turquoise, and coral — to beautify the item. Made by Tibetan artist Sero Kelsang, Dharmsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, ca. 1996. Silver, coral, turquoise. Museum of International Folk Art, IFAF Collection (FA.1996.11.1). Photograph by Blair Clark.
Butter lamps illuminate Buddhist altars during daily prayer and special ceremonies. The light provides clarity to help one overcome ignorance. Traditionally, lamps burn clarified yak butter, although today readily available butters and oils may be used. This example uses precious material — silver, turquoise, and coral — to beautify the item. Made by Tibetan artist Sero Kelsang, Dharmsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, ca. 1996. Silver, coral, turquoise. Museum of International Folk Art, IFAF Collection (FA.1996.11.1). Photograph by Blair Clark.