Dongba

An ancient Naxi priest, known as a Dongba, wearing a five-lobed painted hat, approached and asked for a cigarette.

Mystical Art From a 'Lost' World Lawrence Osborne 2011

A painting on fabric, known as a thangka , depicts delicately rendered Naxi gods: Dongba Shila, the religion's founder; the four-headed Kozhe, who shoots down the demons of suicide; sly-eyed Natosa, god of wealth; the great god Soyiwade on his lotus throne, surrounded by rainbows and mystic jewels.

Mystical Art From a 'Lost' World Lawrence Osborne 2011

The Dongba are among the last people on earth to use such a script.

Mystical Art From a 'Lost' World Lawrence Osborne 2011

He looked exactly like the Dongba photographed by Mr. Rock in the 1920s.

Mystical Art From a 'Lost' World Lawrence Osborne 2011

The god Lachidomi, who is invoked during a ceremony to procure longevity, is shown with crowds of dancing Dongba, protective goddesses and the white bat Heiyiziboaper, messenger of the gods.

Mystical Art From a 'Lost' World Lawrence Osborne 2011

But many believers also revere holy lakes and mountains, particularly in Tibet, where Buddhism is mixed with ancient Dongba traditions.

When a Billion Chinese Jump Jonathan Watts 2010

Lijiang was a center of Dongba shamanistic culture.

When a Billion Chinese Jump Jonathan Watts 2010

But many believers also revere holy lakes and mountains, particularly in Tibet, where Buddhism is mixed with ancient Dongba traditions.

When a Billion Chinese Jump Jonathan Watts 2010

Lijiang was a center of Dongba shamanistic culture.

When a Billion Chinese Jump Jonathan Watts 2010

But many believers also revere holy lakes and mountains, particularly in Tibet, where Buddhism is mixed with ancient Dongba traditions.

When a Billion Chinese Jump Jonathan Watts 2010