The dawn of Tibet : the ancient civilization on the roof of the world
"Based on decades of research, The Dawn of Tibet draws on a rich trove of archaeological, textual, and ethnographic materials collected and analyzed by the author. Bellezza describes the vast network of castles, temples, megaliths, necropolises, and rock art established on the highest and now depopulated part of the Tibetan plateau. He relates literary tales of priests and priestesses, horned deities, and the celestial afterlife to the actual archaeological evidence, providing a fascinating perspective on the origins and development of civilization. The story builds to the present by following the colorful culture of the herders of Upper Tibet, an ancient people whose way of life is endangered by modern development. Tracing Bellezza's epic journeys across lands where few Westerners have ventured, this book provides a compelling window into the most inaccessible reaches of Tibet and a civilization that flourished long before Buddhism took root."--Publisher's description
1 online resource (xi, 349 pages)
9781442234628, 9780810896277, 1442234628, 0810896273
1249704776
Print version:
1. Discovering the First Civilization of Tibet
From Nowhere to Somewhere
Something Definite Begins to Emerge
Gaining Ground to Further Revelation
The Means and Methods of Chronicling Zhang Zhung Sites
2. The Great Sky Realm: The Land of Upper Tibet
The Pinnacle on the Roof of the World
The Enchanting Domain of Upper Tibet
Lakes of Sanctity and Beauty
Cosmic Center Mount Tise
Divine Denizens, the Wildlife of Upper Tibet
3. Tillers and Herders, Warriors and Saints: The People of Upper Tibet
A Union of Farmers and Shepherds
The Drokpas, Wanderers of the Tibetan Upland
The Drokpa Attire of Gods and Kings
The Drokpa Tent as a Microcosm of the Universe
Bestowed by Heaven and Earth, the Sustenance of the Drokpas
Human Minds and Animal Spirits
Farming the Top of the World
The Cycle of Faith, Festivals and Passages
Manifold Changes Buffet Modern Upper Tibet. 4. From Sky to Earth: The History of Zhang Zhung
The Magic and Mystery of Tibetan Scriptures
The Coming Together of the Tribes
Descended from Paradise, the Royal Line Appears
The Dominion's Embrace in Kings and Castles
The Gods Withdraw Their Favor
5. Touching the Sky: The Citadels and Temples of Zhang Zhung
Stones of Time
The Abodes of the Ancients
The Redoubts of Power and Prestige
Hermitages and Temples of the Gods
6. Penetrating the Earth: The Burial Grounds of Zhang Zhung
Territory Marked in Standing Stones
Cities of the Dead
Underworld Tombs to the Heavens
The Looting of the Tombs
7. Flesh, Blood, and Bones in Stone: The Artistic Treasures of Zhang Zhung
Inscribing History in Carvings and Paintings
Strokes of Time
Symbols of Life and Marks of Faith
The Ancient Human Figure in All Its Glory
Animals as Creatures, Persons, and Gods
Shrines Bridging the Gap between Prehistory and History. Long-Lost Cultural Links
The Allure of Ancient Art in Metals
8. Father Sky Eagle and Mother Earth Serpent: The Religion of Zhang Zhung
The Historic Beginnings of Eternal Bon
The Mythic Beginnings of Eternal Bon
The Secret Teachings of Eternal Bon
The Spread of Zhang Zhung Religion to Central Tibet
The Zhang Zhung Gods of the Sky and Earth
The Riddle of Tonpa Shenrab and the Passage of the Dead
9. Horned Heroes and Turquoise Maidens: The Cultural Life of Zhang Zhung
Myths of the Beginning
The Awesome Feats of Zhang Zhung's Greatest Personalities
The Ancient Warriors and Priests of Zhang Zhung and Central Tibet
The Ancient Material Culture of Zhang Zhung and Central Tibet
10. My Ancestors, My Gods: Zhang Zhung Reigns in Contemporary Upper Tibet
The Key to the Past and Present
Divine Mountains and Lakes of Shepherds and Farmers Recall Ancient Traditions
The Search for Weil-Being through the Ages
Today's Shaman Successors to the Adepts of Zhang Zhung
English