Hand Made Copper Alloy with 24 Karat Gold Gilded 11" Citipati Statue

Citipati Statue

 Citipati – The Lord or Master of the Cemetery

The Citipati, a male and female skeleton, are depicted dancing the Tsam dance with arms and legs interlaced. Known as masters of the cemetery, they are one of the seventy-five forms of Mahakala and symbolize the impermanence of worldly existence. Their grinning faces display all their teeth, and they are adorned with long scarves. According to legend, they were once ascetics so absorbed in meditation that a thief decapitated them unnoticed. Since then, they have vowed eternal vengeance against thieves. In cemeteries, the Citipati perform a ritual skeleton dance, blowing Tibetan long horns. Monks replicate this symbolic dance of life and death in monastery cemeteries during summer and winter festivals, embodying the cycle of existence.

Gestures and Attributes

The Citipati are depicted in dynamic dancing gestures, embodying liberation and the transcendence of worldly attachments. Each skeleton assumes an ecstatic pose, with one leg raised high and the other firmly planted, symbolizing the union of opposites—life and death, wisdom and compassion.

The Citipati, depicted as a dancing male and female skeleton, carry distinct attributes that emphasize their symbolic roles. The male Citipati holds a human skeleton in his right hand, symbolizing mortality, and a kapala (skull cup) in his left, representing spiritual transformation. The female counterpart wields a flower in her right hand, signifying the fleeting beauty of life, and a Kalash (vase) in her left, symbolizing abundance and the sustenance of life.

About this Sculpture

This stunning statue beautifully represents the Citipati, expertly sculpted from copper alloy and gilded with 24-karat gold. The statue features intricate carvings and a finely painted face, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of Patan, Nepal. Handcrafted by the master artisans of the Shakya clan, who are renowned for their unparalleled skill, this sculpture is a testament to a centuries-old tradition of sacred art creation for temples and monasteries. The fine metalworking techniques employed by these artisans have been passed down through generations, preserving the rich heritage of Nepalese craftsmanship.