Tibetan antique set of 3 heads from a khatvanga ritual staff. The Tantric (esoteric) Buddhist ceremonial staff would have been held by an advanced practitioner during ceremonies and was a sacred object assisting in the rule over subtle bodies of energy. The three human heads (fresh, dried and bare skull), which once adorned the top of the staff in a stacked position, represent the 3 poisons of lust, hate and delusion. These skulls are made of gilt copper repoussé and strung with cotton cloth into a necklace.

Age: 19th century

Dimensions: 16" long (necklace) Size of heads: 2 3/4" -3" high each