Citipati Tibetan Skull and Spine Oracle Statue | Hand-Carved Wood Nepal | Buddhist Deity Figure
This striking hand-carved wooden Citipati statue from Nepal captures one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most dramatic and symbolically rich figures — the Lord of the Charnel Ground or “Shmashana Adhipati.” Standing over 10 inches tall, the piece depicts a grinning white skull crowned with an ornate golden jewel crest and flanked by sweeping golden flame wings, all rising from a painted pink and red spine that seats removably into a rounded white and gold skull-shaped base. The skull and spine detach cleanly from the base, revealing the fine joinery of the hand-carved construction beneath.
Citipati, the skeletal dancing guardians of the cemetery, appear prominently in the Tibetan Cham dance tradition and serve as powerful reminders of impermanence and the cycle of death and rebirth. Bold hand-painted detailing in red, white, gold, and a vivid blue third-eye jewel brings this figure to life with unmistakable presence and ritual energy. Every chisel mark reflects the skilled craftsmanship of Nepalese woodcarvers working within a living spiritual tradition.
This exceptional piece works equally as a Tibetan Buddhist altar figure, a meditation room focal point, or a collector’s centerpiece for lovers of esoteric religious art. A rare and commanding example of Himalayan sacred sculpture at its most theatrical.
Details:
- Measurements: 10.5″ height; 6″ width; 4.6″ depth
- Weight: 1 lb, 2.2 oz
- Origin: Nepal
Keywords: Citipati statue, Tibetan skull oracle figure, hand-carved wood Nepal, Tibetan Buddhist deity statue, charnel ground guardian, Cham dance figure, Himalayan sacred sculpture, flaming skull, flying skull, skull spine wooden statue, Tibetan altar figure, Nepal woodcarving