Skull cup

A skull cup, also known as a skull bowl or kapala (Sanskrit: कपाल), is a drinking vessel made from the top part of a human skull. These objects have been used in various cultures throughout history for ritualistic, religious, or symbolic purposes.

Historically, skull cups are associated with Tibetan Buddhism, particularly within Vajrayana practices. In this context, the kapala is used during tantric rituals and represents the impermanence of life and the transformation of negative energies into positive ones. The skull symbolizes the ending of the ego and the illusion of self. The liquid held within the kapala can vary, sometimes being water, tea, or symbolic substances.

Beyond Tibetan Buddhism, evidence suggests skull cups have been used in other cultures and time periods. Some archaeological findings indicate their use in prehistoric Europe. Additionally, historical accounts suggest skull cups were sometimes employed by warrior cultures as trophies or symbols of dominance over defeated enemies. In these cases, the act of drinking from an enemy's skull was intended to absorb their strength or honor their memory.

The significance and interpretation of skull cups varies greatly depending on the specific cultural and historical context in which they are found. While in some traditions they are revered objects used in sacred rituals, in others they are associated with violence and power.