Tibetan Tantric Ritual Apron (Rus Gyan) | Human & Animal Bone with Deity Carvings | 19th Century
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Tibet/Himalayan Region
Material: Human and animal bone, cotton backing, natural pigments
Period: 19th Century
Description
A rare and sacred Tantric ritual apron (rus gyan), intricately crafted from human and animal bones. Measuring approximately 25" x 31" x 2.5", it consists of six elliptical plaques carved with depictions of Tantric Buddhist deities, likely from the Chakrasamvara cycle. The plaques are sewn onto a cotton band and integrated into an elaborate net of crisscrossing bone beads and spacers. The result is both a powerful ritual garment and an object of devotional artistry.
Features
- Six elliptical bone plaques carved with Tantric deities (Heruka figures)
- Networks of carved beads and spacers in intricate lattice arrangement
- Cotton band backing for ritual wear
- Skeletal imagery referencing cemetery meditation and impermanence
- Deeply symbolic craftsmanship embodying transformation and spiritual awakening
Cultural Significance
Bone aprons of this type were ceremonial wear for Tantric priests and advanced practitioners during esoteric rituals. They symbolized mastery over mortality, invocation of divine spirits, and spiritual transformation in Chakrasamvara practice. Cemetery imagery reminded practitioners of impermanence, while the use of human bone connected the wearer directly to death rituals and transcendence. These aprons also served as emblems of spiritual attainment and high ritual status within Tantric Buddhist traditions of Tibet and Nepal.
Condition
Very good condition for age. Surface wear, patina, and accretions consistent with ritual use and historical age. Cotton backing aged but intact; beadwork and plaques stable with minor losses. Displays well as both a sacred relic and a work of Himalayan art.
Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 31 in
Width: 25 in
Depth: 2.5 in
Age
19th Century, Himalayan/Tibetan Tantric Buddhist tradition
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Tibet/Himalayan Region
Material: Human and animal bone, cotton backing, natural pigments
Period: 19th Century
Description
A rare and sacred Tantric ritual apron (rus gyan), intricately crafted from human and animal bones. Measuring approximately 25" x 31" x 2.5", it consists of six elliptical plaques carved with depictions of Tantric Buddhist deities, likely from the Chakrasamvara cycle. The plaques are sewn onto a cotton band and integrated into an elaborate net of crisscrossing bone beads and spacers. The result is both a powerful ritual garment and an object of devotional artistry.
Features
- Six elliptical bone plaques carved with Tantric deities (Heruka figures)
- Networks of carved beads and spacers in intricate lattice arrangement
- Cotton band backing for ritual wear
- Skeletal imagery referencing cemetery meditation and impermanence
- Deeply symbolic craftsmanship embodying transformation and spiritual awakening
Cultural Significance
Bone aprons of this type were ceremonial wear for Tantric priests and advanced practitioners during esoteric rituals. They symbolized mastery over mortality, invocation of divine spirits, and spiritual transformation in Chakrasamvara practice. Cemetery imagery reminded practitioners of impermanence, while the use of human bone connected the wearer directly to death rituals and transcendence. These aprons also served as emblems of spiritual attainment and high ritual status within Tantric Buddhist traditions of Tibet and Nepal.
Condition
Very good condition for age. Surface wear, patina, and accretions consistent with ritual use and historical age. Cotton backing aged but intact; beadwork and plaques stable with minor losses. Displays well as both a sacred relic and a work of Himalayan art.
Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 31 in
Width: 25 in
Depth: 2.5 in
Age
19th Century, Himalayan/Tibetan Tantric Buddhist tradition
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