White metal pendant Skeleton

Very nice Nepalese pendants featuring a human skeleton. The pendants are made of a 'white metal'-alloy with a silver appearance. The arms and legs of the skeletons are attached with small split rings, allowing the limbs to move freely from the body. Sizes; approximately 5 centimeters long (measured without the eyelet) and 9 grams weight. On the symbolism of the human skeleton: Human bones, especially the skull, but also other bones or even, as is the case here, the complete skeleton, are a very prominent symbol in the spiritual iconography of the (Himalayan) regions influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. On the one hand it can be said that the symbol of the human bones (of course) refers to death; it is a powerful reminder of the fact that all our lives will simply end one day. The symbol of the skull for example is thus used in all kinds of meditative practices to contemplate on this inevitabilty and also on the other side of this medal; how important it is to live your life in the best possible and most compassionate of ways. On a more metaphorical level, contemplating on the image of the skull also is a powerful practice in cutting through the bonds with one's own ego and the identification with the physical body. It takes us to the limits of human knowledge and helps to gain insight in the buddhist concept of 'Emptiness', which doesn't mean 'nothing-ness', but actually quite on the contrary refers to the true nature of the universe and reality; the endless, ultimate emptiness in which all possibilities exist. Human bones, skulls and skeletons are also very prominent in the iconography around a lot of the 'wrathful' deities in Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism. Wrathful deities are the fierce, forceful aspects or manifestations of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas or Devas. They are often portrait as terrifying, demonic looking beings adorned with human skulls or bone ornaments and ritual weapons. In this setting, the human skulls for example symbolize all the poisonous delusions and limiting mental beliefs that need to be overcome on the path to enlightenment. And finally, also the skeleton or skull often refers to the skeleton appearance of the Citipati, which is part of the (especially) vajrayana Buddhist imagery. Citipati are associated with the cemeteries and charnel grounds and represent profound lessons about mortality, impermanence, the cycle of life and death, and freedom from samsara. More about the intriguing symbolism of the Citipati can be found elsewhere in our webshop (simply search on the word 'Citipati'). Multiple pendants available. Sold per piece.