Antique Bronze Kapala / Skull Cap Offering Bowl, Tibet
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A true Kapala is made from human skull bone and primarily used as a bowl / cup in rituals in both Hindu and Buddhist Tantra. In Tibet, they were often carved or elaborately mounted with precious metals and jewels.
During such use, the human bone skull cap was filled with blood (Ashrakapala) and/or flesh (Mamsakapala) and through these tantric rituals, the deities were summoned to partake of the blood or flesh of the demon.
This bowl came from the Katmandu Valley probably from a temple or holy place.
The stand forms a tripod for the bowl to sit in during the offering phase. A lid is also provided…. making up the three pieces.
Today, Kapala bowls such as this are used by Tibetan Lamas in higher tantric meditation to achieve transcendental state of mind within the shortest possible time.
This item has been sold. Thanks P.L !