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Human Cranium Prayer Beads
OriginTibet
Date18th or 19th century
Dimensions9 3/8 × 1 7/8 × 1/2 in.
MediumCranium and stone
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art, Gift of Anne Breckenridge Dorsey
Object numberC2012.6.4
DescriptionA strong belief in the efficacy of Tantric practices combined with Tibetan Buddhists’ fervent devotion to religious teachers and Tantric masters are evident in the particular thoughtfulness given to prayer beads carved out of human cranium. These beads are said to be especially potent and beneficial for wrathful Tantric Buddhist practices and can only be handled and used by those who have been initiated into the practice. It is prescribed that they should not be seen or touched by others, and when not in use should be placed on an elevated or consecrated ground. If these beads contain fragments of the cranium of a famous master, their effectiveness and the power of the master’s blessing are greatly increased and continue to grow exponentially with each recitation during the practice.19th century
17th century
early 20th century
Date unknown
18th or 19th century
18th - 19th century
19th century
ca. late 18th - early 19th century
16th century
ca. 1659-1671
19th century
17th - 18th century
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