A miniature antique silver Kapala stand and cover (missing miniature Kapala). The triangular stand and the cover collectively weigh 206 grams. The stand rises to a height of 4” and consists of two parts: a triangular base with sides that are 3” in length and 2” in height. 2” tall fiery flames with skulls emanate from the base. The missing kapala would be placed over the flames with the concave side face down into the flame. Offerings would be placed then into the kapala and the lid placed over it. The lid resembles a hat and has dorjee Arm at the crown. The base and crown are intricately carved. Given the size of this base, this would have held a very tiny kapala - most likely one made with precious stones or crystal rocks.
Kapala(Sanskrit) meaning skull /vessel is a decorative human skull cap, and used in rituals of Tantric Hinduism and Buddhism (Tantric Buddhism is a form of Buddhism that focuses on mystical practices and concepts as a path to enlightenment.)
Kapalas were collected from sky burial sites, prepared elaborately, anointed consecrated prior to use. Kapalas held cakes and wine as offerings to wrathful deities. Used a libation cups to deities and gods to win favor, it was also used to reach transcendental state of mind within a shortest period of time. The skulls were often regarded as "karmic vessels" which contain the good and bad qualities of the dead person.
