Buffalo-Headed Vajrabhairava, a Wrathful form of Bodhisattva Manjushri

This small bronze from 15th-century southern Tibet depicts Vajrabhairava (also called Yamantaka, "Destroyer of Death"), the terrifying manifestation of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. The buffalo head specifically represents Yama, the Lord of Death. By appearing in this form, the wisdom deity demonstrates power to conquer death itself. The ferocious appearance shows that wisdom can be fierce when defeating spiritual enemies.

In his full form, Vajrabhairava has nine heads (the central one a buffalo), thirty-four hands with symbolic weapons, and sixteen legs. Each element carries doctrinal meaning: the thirty-four arms plus body, speech, and mind equal the thirty-seven limbs of enlightenment. At about 3.5 inches tall, this piece was likely used for personal meditation practice. It's at the Art Institute of Chicago.