"Plaque from a Tantric Ritual Apron": Chitipati Dancing

Many cultures reflect on death as a reminder of karma and reincarnation. In Tibetan Buddhist mythology two ascetics were meditating in a cemetery. Passing thieves killed the pair, who were then reincarnated as skeletons known as Chitipati. Chitipati protect graveyards and ward off thieves. Otherwise, they play music and dance among the graves. Twice a year monks dress as the Chitipati to celebrate the deities and the cycle of life and death. Likely worn during one of these celebrations, this plaque for a Tibetan apron features a skeleton dancing on either side.