8713

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    Tibetan Tantric Gilded Copper Severed Head

    Tibet
    circa 18th century

    width: 11.8cm, height: 9.2cm, depth: 4.3cm, weight: 98g

    Sold

    Provenance

    UK art market

    – scroll down to see further images –

    This splendid gilded copper head would have been part of a severed head mala (chinnamunda mala) worn by a large statue in a temple in Tibet. The ears and face are gilded and the hair is coloured with black pigment.  The expressive features and especially finely rendered.

    Loops at the top and bottom of the head allowed it to be suspended on a chain to be hung around the neck of a statue.

    Usually malas or garlands of severed heads were worn by male deities and garlands of skulls were assigned to female deities. The hanging of such garlands from the neck was intended to symbolise purity of speech.

    The head is wonderfully decorative. It is in fine condition with a splendid patina.

    References

    Beer, R., The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs, Serindia, 2004.

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