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)
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
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.
1990s
fourth quarter 19th century
Artist not recorded
Late 19th – early 20th century