Ritual Helmet
1677 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Elaborate crowns of this type are worn by Vajracaryas, Buddhist priests when officiating at religious ceremonies in Nepal. Vajracarya, "master of the thunderbolt", is both a caste and family name indicating those entitled to perform priestly functions. They command the highest rank in the Buddhist community, the equivalent of Brahmins in the Hindu context. They typically use both a vajra (thunderbolt sceptre) and ghanta (ritual bell) in these rituals. A painted Nepalese manuscript cover dated 1532 depicts such a crowned Vajracarya engaged in ritual on behalf of a donor and his family at a temple stupa; he is depicted holding both vajra and ghanta and seated before a fire altar and assorted ritual utensils, including an offering dish, mirror and miniature chaityas (stupas). The ritual crown depicted bears close comparison to the V&A example, with its forehead diadem and elaborate superstructure, and the ear-like pendants.
This crown has individually cast medallions depicting Bodhisattvas positioned around the dome, with Vairocana in the centre; each is framed within an elaborate foliate medallion. The crown is surmounted by a five-pronged half-vajra. A dated inscription (Nepal Samvat 797) invokes Vajrasattva, the supreme deity of the vajra sect. A number of these crowns have survived, but this example is the finest and most complete.
This crown has individually cast medallions depicting Bodhisattvas positioned around the dome, with Vairocana in the centre; each is framed within an elaborate foliate medallion. The crown is surmounted by a five-pronged half-vajra. A dated inscription (Nepal Samvat 797) invokes Vajrasattva, the supreme deity of the vajra sect. A number of these crowns have survived, but this example is the finest and most complete.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Gilt copper, set with stones |
Brief description | Gilt copper set with stones, Nepal, Dated to 1677 |
Dimensions |
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Gallery label | 1. Ritual Crown
Dated 1677
Malla period
This crown would have been worn by a hereditary Vajracharya
priest of the Kathmandu Valley. The Vajracharyas were originally
celibate Buddhist monks. By the early 15th century they had
been brought within the prevailing Hindu caste structure of
valley society, with a position as one of the highest castes.
Gilded copper set with imitation stones in rock crystal and glass
Nepal
Given by Lt Col. E.W.A. Armstrong
Museum no. IS.5-1946
16. Necklace (Tayo)
1800–50
Shah period
This is a ceremonial necklace ornament used by Newar women
of the Kathmandu Valley on important ritual occasions,
including marriage. In early examples the tubular body
is hollow. This suggests that they may have been amulet
containers, but the present ones are entirely closed, so they
cannot now be used for that purpose.
Gilded copper and silk
Nepal
Museum no. 03034(IS)
9. Vasudhara
1500–1600
Malla period
Vasudhara, the Buddhist Goddess of Abundance, is important
in Nepal. Her name means ‘holding the treasure’. Here her
attributes include a vase of gems (kamandalu), an allusion to
the jewels of knowledge, a manuscript (pustaka) of Buddhist
teachings and a stem of grain symbolising fertility and
prosperity.
Gilded copper
Nepal
Museum no. IM.14-1930
12(14/06/2011) |
Historical context | Elaborate crowns of this type are worn by Vajracaryas, Buddhist priests, when officiating at religious ceremonies. Vajracarya, "master of the thunderbolt", is both a caste and family name indicating those entitled to perform priestly functions. They command the highest rank in the Buddhist community, the equivalent of Brahmans in the Hindu context. They typically use both a vajra (thunderbolt sceptre) and ghanta (ritual bell) in these rituals. This crown has individually cast medallions depicting bodhisattvas on the dome and Vairocana in the centre. The crown is surmounted by a half-vajra. A dated inscription (Nepal Samvat 797) invokes Vajrasattva, the supreme deity of the vajra sect. |
Subject depicted | |
Summary | Elaborate crowns of this type are worn by Vajracaryas, Buddhist priests when officiating at religious ceremonies in Nepal. Vajracarya, "master of the thunderbolt", is both a caste and family name indicating those entitled to perform priestly functions. They command the highest rank in the Buddhist community, the equivalent of Brahmins in the Hindu context. They typically use both a vajra (thunderbolt sceptre) and ghanta (ritual bell) in these rituals. A painted Nepalese manuscript cover dated 1532 depicts such a crowned Vajracarya engaged in ritual on behalf of a donor and his family at a temple stupa; he is depicted holding both vajra and ghanta and seated before a fire altar and assorted ritual utensils, including an offering dish, mirror and miniature chaityas (stupas). The ritual crown depicted bears close comparison to the V&A example, with its forehead diadem and elaborate superstructure, and the ear-like pendants. This crown has individually cast medallions depicting Bodhisattvas positioned around the dome, with Vairocana in the centre; each is framed within an elaborate foliate medallion. The crown is surmounted by a five-pronged half-vajra. A dated inscription (Nepal Samvat 797) invokes Vajrasattva, the supreme deity of the vajra sect. A number of these crowns have survived, but this example is the finest and most complete. |
Bibliographic references |
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Collection | |
Accession number | IS.5-1946 |
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Record created | February 13, 2000 |
Record URL |
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