Tibet / China · Dough Sculpture / Ritual Craft
གཏོར་མ (Gtor-ma)
Gtor-ma (གཏོར་མ) are the geometric ritual dough forms placed on Tibetan Buddhist altars — distinct from the larger figurative butter sculptures (CRAFT-0615) in being smaller, more precisely geometric, and more directly tied to specific tantric cosmological specifications. Each gtor-ma type has a precise shape, color, number of faces, and ornament pattern specified in the tantric text of the deity for whom it is offered. The making material is roasted barley flour (tsampa) mixed with butter and water to a firm, non-sticky consistency. The defining technical knowledge is the consistency calibration: correct gtor-ma dough 'holds a fingerprint for exactly three seconds before the impression fills.' Three seconds is the quality standard.
Risk level: Endangered · Component of Tibetan Buddhist ritual UNESCO nominations
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