In the October, 1982 edition of Sinorama, readers were given an introduction to Lamaist worship artifacts from Tibet. This month the magazine presents two more pieces from the collection of the National Palace Museum.
Beautifully adorned with gold and jewel inlay, these two pieces are actually made from human skulls. The name, Kupula, comes from the literal translation of the Sanskrit word for skull.
The religious vessel stands 14.4cm. in height, 18.3cm in length and is 14.6cm wide. Produced during the Ching dynasty for palace use, it is more lavish than most pieces of kupula. The borders are plated with gold and engraved with a decorative pattern. Red paper lines the inside and features religious inscriptions in Tibetan. The ritual use of the vessel is known only to adherents of Lamaism.
The tambourine, which measures 8.7cm in height, 15.6cm in length and 13.7cm in width, is made from two skulls—the left, male and the right, female. They are joined together in the back. It is claimed that the tambourine has the power to ward off evil.
Lying in the remote northwest region of China, Tibet, with its Lamaist religion seems mysterious to most people. When viewing these works, it should be remembered that the deep regard attached to skull selection should not be construed as barbaric, but rather a reflection of the customs and traditions of the Tibetan culture at one time.
(Gerald Hatherly)
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