A narrative thangka illustrating the story of the delok [Late 19th century]

A narrative thangka illustrating the story of the delok (Wylie 'das log) Karma Wangzin (Wylie Karma dbang 'dzin). Delok stories are key texts for Lama Manipa and illustrate the prinicples of karma and Buddhist concepts of death and reincarnation. The thangka depicts the judgement of the dead and the realms of hell. This thangka is richly detailed, depicting the myriad gruesome forms of suffering inflicted in hell. Importantly, it also shows many Lama Manipa figures with prayer wheels leading the dead out of hell. Manipa are widely understood to be able to free beings from the realms of hell...though they would state that it is power of Avalokiteśvara / Chenrezig (Wylie spyan ras gzigs) and the chanting of his mantra that accomplishes this. Size including the cloth surround 70 x 125 cm. Image (melong) size 57 x 94 cm. On the reverse of the thangka is a large drawing of a stupa (chorten). Creation dates: Actual date unknown. Perhaps late 19th century. Date suggested by current owner. Custodial history: An item probably originating from the Pemako region of Tibet but handed down from teacher to unrelated student over several generations. Extent and format of original material: One narrative scroll painting / thangka. Owner(s) of original material: Pema Wangdu.