DepartmentAsia

Ritual Skull Cap with cover ("Kapala")

NameRitual Object

CultureVajrayana Buddhist; Tibetan Buddhist

Date19th century

(not assigned)Tibet, Himalayas, Asia

MediumHuman skull, copper, gold gilding, turquoise, coral, bronze

Dimensions8 11/16 × 6 1/2 × 6 11/16 in. (22 × 16.5 × 17 cm)
Other (Top piece (A)): 4 1/16 × 5 11/16 × 6 3/8 in. (10.3 × 14.5 × 16.2 cm)
Other (Middle piece (B) (skull)): 2 15/16 × 5 1/4 × 6 1/2 in. (7.5 × 13.3 × 16.5 cm)
Other (Triangle Base (C)): 3 9/16 × 5 7/8 × 6 3/8 in. (9 × 15 × 16.2 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Mrs. Dwight B. Heard, A.1949.1.2V

Object numberA.1949.1.2V

Collections

Asia

DescriptionSkull lined in copper, metal band at edge set in stones. Lid with wheel, gate, fish and floral motifs. Handle has four curved prongs meeting in center.