This kapala (Sanskrit "skull") is made from a human skullcap and was used as a ritual drinking vessel. A friend brought it from Ladakh many years ago (under pressure from China, many Tibetans emigrated there). The shell is ornate in Set in precious metal, decorated with embossed ornaments, including 44 skulls and two small turquoises. Out of respect for the ceremonial importance, I deliberately made a simple base and commissioned the Kirchner art foundry in Ascholding (founded by the sculptor Prof. Heinrich Kirchner and family-owned for three generations) to cast the bronze. I was able to watch the casting and the final work by Nicola Kirchner (filing, sandblasting, applying the patina, brushing and waxing), see another picture of this Kapala. [hint: this is an automatic translation from German]   |   Category: Kultgegenstände   |   Material: Metall   |   Country of origin: Ladakh, India   |   Artist: K. L. | Similar pieces