The administration (Hangsi)

Hangsi means the 'Full Altar' or the 'Administration' and is a depiction of the whole Daoist pantheon. Strongly influenced by Chinese tradition, this painting shows a group of Daoist gods and celestial worthies whom the Yao view as a 'Cosmic Fraternity' that was considered to have control of the whole universe. Some Buddhist influence is evident with the inclusion of Guanyin.

The Daoist pantheon depicted includes:
Top row: The 3 Pure ones in the middle l to r: Daode, Yuanshi, Lingbao, flanked by the Jade Emperor (r) and the Master of Saints(l)
Second Row: believed to be attendants of the Jade Emperor and the Master of Saints
Third row: in the middle the Buddhist Bodhisattva Guanyin
Fourth Row: the middle 3 headed deity with many arms is thought to be the Buddhist Goddess of Light Marichi, whom the Yao have appropriated as Tai Sui, God of the Year.
Fifth row: the 6 Marshals; the 3 matrons of Daoist religion in a circle.
Sixth row: Haifan (The Sea Banner) and his horsemen
Seventh row: Taiwei (The High Constable) with horsemen
Eighth row: At middle a ritual furnace to burn paper money for the ‘Celestial Treasuries’; offerings (smoke) reaching the top
Ninth row: Five orderlies mounted from l to r, on a buffalo, white elephant, lion, unicorn and tiger; left is the God of Soil

Reference: Jacques Lemoine, 'Yao Ceremonial Paintings', 1982.

Asian Art Department, AGNSW, 2007.