Tsa tsas are a form of Tibetan Buddhist sculpture made from a metal mould containing the hollowed, reversed image of a deity, stupa or other sacred symbol. The result of the manufacturing process is a flat-backed image of a holy object that is often portable in size.
Tsa tsas can be placed on our altars, shrines or cars; inside stupas and prayer wheel niches; and at holy sites such as meditation caves, mountains and lakes. In a nod towards the Tibetan nomadic tradition, tsa tsas can be put inside a ghau (portable shrine) and used as an amulet during travels. Regardless of their size, tsa tsas represent the Buddhas’ body, and grant blessings and protection wherever they are placed.
