Vintage wall hanging amulets made in the traditional Tibetan Buddhist style in which a symbol or figurine is combined with a banner of multi-layered silk brocade with tassels.
The multi-colored, shiny and elaborate applique banner represents the auspicious blessings of the jewels of the dharma being sent forth as multi-colored rainbow light. This typical style of fabric usage can be found in many different applications in Himalayan regions; as a small banner in amulets such as these or as handle for ritual attributes (quite typical for Tibetan shang bells for example), but also in much bigger items such as the meters-long "shambu" wall decorations or the high "chukor" ceiling hangings in temples and monasteries.
Here in our shop we have two different types of wall hanging amulets;
* Three with a large skull bead handcarved from yak bone. These are approximately 31 centimeters long in total (including the fringes), from which the skull is between 4-5 centimeters high.
The skull as a symbol has a very complex and deep symbolism in the Himalayan regions influenced by Tibetan buddhism. On the one hand it can be said that the symbol of the skull (of course) refers to death; it is a powerful reminder of the fact that all our lives will simply end one day. The symbol of the skull is thus used in all kinds of meditative practices to contemplate on this inevitabilty and also on the other side of this medal; how important it is to live your life in the best possible and most compassionate of ways.
On a more metaphorical level, contemplating on the image of the skull also is a powerful practice in cutting through the bonds with one's own ego and the identification with the physical body. It takes us to the limits of human knowledge and helps to gain insight in the buddhist concept of 'Emptiness', which doesn't mean 'nothing-ness', but actually quite on the contrary refers to the true nature of the universe and reality; the endless, ultimate emptiness in which all possibilities exist.
Human skulls are also very prominent in the iconography around a lot of the 'wrathful' deities in Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism. Wrathful deities are the fierce, forceful aspects or manifestations of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas or Devas. They are often portrait as terrifying, demonic looking beings adorned with human skulls or bone ornaments and ritual weapons. In this setting, the human skulls symbolize all the poisonous delusions and limiting mental beliefs that need to be overcome on the path to enlightenment.
* And one with a bronze depiction of the Victory Banner, one of the Tibetan Buddhist Eight Auspicious Symbols. This one has a total lenght (including the fringes) of approximately 29 centimeters. The Victory Banner symbolizes the victory of the Buddha over obstacles on the road to enlightenment such as the fear of death, negative emotions, pride, and the attachment to desires.
Please note; these amulets are from vintage origin. They might show some imperfections and damages due to their age and previous usage.
Sold per piece. You can choose your favorite one via the selection-menu.
