“Oracle Crown”; Tíbet, s. XIX.

"Oracle Crown"; Tibet, 19th century.
Embossed and gilded silver, coral and turquoise.
Measurements: 18,5 x 20 x 19 cm.
This embossed and gilded silver oracle crown is decorated with turquoise and coral cabochons. The gold work is richly carved and the inside of the crown is provided with a cushion covered with fabric.
This type of crown was worn by Tibetan oracles during trances. Bodhisattva figures in their wrathful form also often wear this type of headdress of five skulls, each of which represents one of the five "wisdom" Buddhas, the so-called Five Dhyani Buddhas. Similar crowns were also worn in Mongolia.