Ceremonial Kapala, Tibet, southwestern China, Ca 19th century CE.

Used in both Hindu, Tantra, and Buddhist tantric ceremonies, the kapala is a cup used as a ritual bowl. They are usually carved or elaborately mounted with precious metals and jewels. Many of the deities of Vajrayana, or tantric Buddhism, or depicted carrying the kampala, usually in their left hand.

The ceremonial kampala shown here is a horned goat skull ornamented with white metal applique and glass. 12″L x 6-½”H.

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