Kapala – Skull cup vessel
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ABR 103

 Code: ABR 103

  Country: Nepal

  Style:

  Date: 1450 - 1550

  Dimensions in cm WxHxD: Unknown

  Materials: Gilded human bone

Kapala – Skull cup vessel

The kapala or skull cup is a ritual object frequently encountered in Vajrayana Buddhism. It is an attribute of wrathful or semi-wrathful deities, of dakinis, yogis and mahasiddhas, who use it to contain or drink ritual substances (alcohol, medical nectar or blood).

On this example, the outside of the skullcap is covered with gilded copper alloy except on the inside. Three rings are visible on one end of the cup, possibly to support an now lost ornamentation.