God of hunting. Ovimbundu [central Angola, West Africa]. All meat is kept in front of his shrines, which are decorated with poles capped by skulls. He is propitiated by dance and offerings, presided over by a priesthood.
Tag: skulls
Heruka
God. Buddhist (Mahayana). One of the most popular deities in the pantheon, though probably owing much to the influence of the Hindu god SˇIVA. Originally an epithet for another Hindu god, GANESA, but in Buddhism seen as an emanation of AKSOBHYA. His SAKTI is NAIRAMATA and the product of their liaison is nirvana (eternal bliss). Typically he stands upon a corpse. In northeastern India, Heruka is worshiped as a compassionate god. Attributes: club, flayed human skin, image of Aksobhya, jewel, knife, fifty skulls, sword, staff and teeth.