Authentic Sacred Human Skull Cap Kapala. In Case. Tibet.
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This kapala is from the estate of an extensive traveler to Egypt and throughout Asia. Mr. Lou E. Clapp also served as Secretary of State for Idaho USA in the mid-1960s.
Kapalas or Skull Caps are considered a legacy of the ancient tradition of human sacrifice. Kapalas are still used in Tibetan monasteries for holding dough cakes, torma (flour/butter figures) and wine. Original tantric rituals used blood and flesh as offerings to wrathful deities such as Dharmapala. Such rituals today are performed to reach a higher tantric meditation and to achieve a transcendental state of thought and mind.
Human skull caps are collected, prepared, elaborately anointed and consecrated before use. This kapala is adorned with the traditional skull designs in Tibetan silver. The bowl – I believe – is pewter.
I believe that this phenomenal piece was acquired in Tibet in the mid-1900s but its use probably dates back to the 1910s to 1930s. It is in excellent condition and sits on a triangular pedestal and inside an acrylic – clasped case.
For the very Serious Collector.
This sacred item has been sold. Thank you L.J.