This offering cabinet (torgam) would have been used in the Protectors’ Chapel (gonkang) of a Tibetan monastery to protect and conceal consecrated cakes made of butter and dough (torma), offerings to the Buddhist protective deities (Sanskrit: dharmapala; Tibetan: ch’os-skyon) led by Mahakala (Great Black One). The dharmapala are believed to defend Buddhism and its teachings and institutions, as well as to destroy the hindrances of its followers. Monks make offerings to the dharmapalas for their aid in overcoming negative forces that prevent enlightenment. Lay Buddhists also worship them in order to obtain earthly blessings, such as the attainment of wealth or longevity. The gruesome face of a fierce deity or a Red Mahakala, emphasizing the deity’s fiery nature, is depicted on the exterior doors of the cabinet. A panel beneath the doors painted with a thunderbolt (Sanskrit: vajra; Tibetan: dorje). The frame of the cabinet is adorned with dorjes, flames and skulls.