Kapala – Skull cup vessel
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Orientation 1
Display 1

ABR 104

 Code: ABR 104

  Country: Nepal

  Style:

  Date: Unknown

  Dimensions in cm WxHxD: Unknown

  Materials: 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).

The inside of this skull cup is decorated with the painted representation of the wrathful offering of the five senses. These are displayed as a torma ritual cake gathering the heart, eyes, nose, ears, and tongue, and they correspond to the fierce version of the traditional offerings pleasing the five senses.