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THB19th C. Tibetan Silver & Gilt Skull Oracle Crown
Lot 177a
About Seller
Artemis Fine Arts
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$7,500 - $12,500
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Starting Bid
$4,000
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| $0 | $25 |
| $300 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
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| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
About Auction
Live
By Artemis Fine Arts
Aug 22, 2025
Set Reminder
2025-08-22 10:00:00
2025-08-22 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Indigenous Art - Ralph T. Coe Center, Santa Fe, NM
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/indigenous-art---ralph-t-coe-center-santa-fe-nm-20324
Featuring works of art from the Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a non-profit focused on promoting Indigenous Arts globally. All proceeds from the sale of these items will support future grants to Rehoming Program participants. Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisfinearts.com
Featuring works of art from the Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a non-profit focused on promoting Indigenous Arts globally. All proceeds from the sale of these items will support future grants to Rehoming Program participants. Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisfinearts.com
View Full Catalog (452)
- Lot Description
Central Asia, Tibet, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A dazzling silver Oracle's crown adorned with 5 silver skulls, several gilt brass leaf panels, and inlays of turquoise and coral. The metalwork is intricately tooled and chased with elaborate foliate and flame-like designs, while the repousse band has 5 additional relief kapalas (skull caps) and intricate lotus and foliate patterning. Red and yellow velvet padding lines the interior, adding comfort for the wearer. Tibetan oracles traditionally wore crowns like this example while performing trances. Oracle trances are an elaborate ritual which involves invoking spirits through music, dance, gestures, and sacred words. Each skull symbolizes one of the Dhyani Buddhas ("wisdom" Buddhas) from the Vajrayana Buddhist pantheon, representing aspects of wisdom and reflecting impermanence and the pursuit of enlightenment. Size: 9" L x 8.5" W x 7.25" H (22.9 cm x 21.6 cm x 18.4 cm)
Oftentimes sculptures of bodhisattvas assuming their wrathful form are depicted donning similar skull headdresses.
This has been tested using XRF technology and is confirmed to be silver and gold over a low-zinc brass (an indication of an earlier age).
Provenance: ex-Joey Martinez collection, Whittier, California, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#196696A complete crown with all elements present. In very good conditionCondition
- Shipping Info
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