"Plaque from a Tantric Ritual Apron": Chitipati Dancing
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Curationist Object DescriptionMany cultures reflect on death as a reminder of karma and reincarnation. In Tibetan Buddhist mythology two ascetics were meditating in a cemetery. Passing thieves killed the pair, who were then reincarnated as skeletons known as Chitipati. Chitipati protect graveyards and ward off thieves. Otherwise, they play music and dance among the graves. Twice a year monks dress as the Chitipati to celebrate the deities and the cycle of life and death. Likely worn during one of these celebrations, this plaque for a Tibetan apron features a skeleton dancing on either side.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Object Description
Plaque
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All Works in Curationist’s archives can be reproduced and used freely. How to attribute this Work:
"Plaque from a Tantric Ritual Apron": Chitipati Dancing, 16th century or later. Metropolitan Museum of Art. A skeleton dances on either side of this plaque from a Tibetan apron, representing the Buddhist Chitipati. Public Domain.
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