Antique Tibetan kapala, or human skullcup, with a beautiful bronze stand. In Tibet, it was considered a great honor to have one's cranium turned into a kapala, which would be used for religious purposes. Kapalas are used in the Hindu Tantra and Buddhist religions. The skull itself is very old and is lined with nickel. The bronze stand has a beautiful lotus design, skulls going all around, the image of a kneeling worshipper, and hoof shaped feet. Stand is 18th century. Provenance James Coburn Estate. Size: skull: 6.75" x 5" wide, 3" tall stand: 3" tall, 2.75" wide