Image title: Figure 4.5.26: A bKa’ brgyud monk demonstrates the position

[Figure 4.5.26]—A bKa’ brgyud monk demonstrates the position of the hand during play and the resulting wear in the surface of the skull, April 2018.

Gallery information:

These plates originate from the study “On the use of Human remains in Tibetan ritual objects” by Ayesha Fuentes. This dissertation examines the cultural history and material applications of human remains in Tibetan rituals, utilizing conservation, technical art history, and anthropology. It focuses on skulls, bone ornaments, and the rkang gling trumpet, investigating their use in Buddhist tantra and contemporary practices, while establishing a framework for understanding their evolving significance.