Section 2 - Ritual Objects

Several examples of Tibetan prayer wheels made of various and costly materials will be displayed. These ritual objects hold printed prayers, rolled up and placed inside the wheel, which is turned while a person recites a mantra, typically the “six syllable” mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum (translated as “the jewel and the lotus”).

Also on view will be an ornately decorated Kapala, or skull cup. This bowl is made of a human skull, likely from the body of an important teacher, or lama. To a member of a Tibetan Buddhist sect, the use of the skull showed respect for the deceased and was believed to be sacred. Text panels will address the esoteric practices of Tibetan Buddhist sects. Examples of instruments used in these practices will be included in this section of the exhibition.