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Ceremonial Skull Cap, Cover, and Stand

Ceremonial Skull Cap, Cover, and Stand

CultureTibeto-Chinese
Datelate 19th-early 20th century
MediumCopper, bone, and turquoise
DimensionsOverall: 13 1/2 x 7 1/4 x 7 inches (34.29 x 18.42 x 17.78 cm)
A: 6 x 7 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches (15.24 x 18.42 x 13.97 cm)
B: 3 x 7 3/8 x 5 5/8 inches (7.62 x 18.75 x 14.3 cm)
C: 4 1/2 x 7 x 7 inches (11.43 x 17.78 x 17.78 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Jacob L. Loose
Object number34-237/56 A-C
On View
Not on view
Exhibition History

Sacred Images of Tibet, Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, August 20–October 15, 1989, no cat.

Gallery Label
This ceremonial skull cup, also referred to as a kapala across various Hindu and Buddhist Tantra traditions, is a ritual object made from the human skull. The skulls of religious teachers were especially revered. In Tibetan Buddhism, using these remains was not considered improper but showed reverence for the soul of the deceased and helped one contemplate mortality. Kapalas may be used in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries to hold offerings, such as red wine or cakes. These offerings are transformed by ritual use and may represent pure substances that embody wisdom, enlightenment, and immortality. Skull cups like this one are often meticulously decorated with silverwork and inlaid with precious stones like turquoise to emphasize their ritual and ceremonial importance.
Provenance

Ella Clark Loose (Mrs. Jacob L. Loose, 1860-1945), Kansas City, MO and Washington, DC, by 1934 [1];

Her gift to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 1934.

[1] Ella Loose was noted for her jewelry collection; many objects were purchased during her frequent travel overseas. For more information, see The Sunday Star Washington D.C., March 29, 1936, p. E4.

Published References

Tara Hargrove, The Hargrove Family History, exh. cat. (Kansas City, MO, KC Stage, 2013), 29, (repro.).

Note:  This story is a work of fiction and the information accompanying the photograph of the Ceremonial Skull Cap, Cover, and Stand is fictitious.  Mr. and Mrs. Jacob L. Loose acquired this sacred ceremonial object during one of their many trips overseas.

Information about a particular artwork or image, including provenance information, is based upon historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete. Research on artwork and images is an ongoing process, and the information about a particular artwork or image may not reflect the most current information available to the Museum. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about a particular artwork or image, please e-mail provenance@nelson-atkins.org.


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