The painting shows the attributes of the protector deity Pehar and his four companions. The five aspects of Pehar are important protectors within the Nyingmapa and Gelukpa traditions, where they are known as the 'Kings of Buddha's body, speech, mind, attributes and activities'. At the top of the painting, flayed hides and suspended viscera are represented, along with skull bowls holding the six sacramental substances. The skulls, flayed skin, popping eyes and torn-out tongue are sacrificial offerings made symbolically during the ceremony in which the deities take their seats in the banner. To the left and right respectively are the costumes of the tantric practitioner and warrior, alluding to Pehar's retainers. The principal aspect of Pehar is the 'King of Buddha's activities', represented in this banner by the ritual dagger, with his wide-brimmed rattan hat and three brown faces representing the hilt of the dagger, and flanked by his six hand-implements.