The Olmo Lungring Thangka Of Bon Khyung Mo Monastery In Khrika-Linking Issues Of Minority's Identity, Modernization And Cultural Heritage Protection In Modern China

The debate over Intellectual Property Rights and the protection of Cultural Heritage, TK and TCEs has grown rapidly in the last years, reflecting increased levels of academic interest in the subject. Studies on the Bon tradition of Tibet have also seen a growing interest. This cross-disciplinary Doctoral (PhD) illuminates a Tibetan Bon thangka from the 19th century A.D, illustrating the sacred land of Olmo Lungring. It gives insight into the life of Khri ka ba Kun bzang rgyal mtshan (b.1917/18), the pandita who'envisioned'the image of the pure land depicted in the thangka, and provides an historical and religious background to the cultural object. To determine the value of the painting as a cultural object worth of protection, it analyses it against longer socio-cultural and religious practices and beliefs. By focusing on its influence on the modern Bon identity in Amdo, it further links issues of minority identity, modernization and current legal framework for the protection of TK, TCEs and Cultural heritage, at the international level and in contemporary China.