"Plaque from a Tantric Ritual Apron": Chitipati Dancing

Many cultures reflect on death as a reminder of karma and reincarnation. Tibetan Buddhist mythology tells a story of two ascetics meditating in a cemetery. Passing thieves killed the pair, who were then reincarnated as skeletons known as Citipati. Citipati protect graveyards and ward off thieves. Otherwise, they play music and dance among the graves. Twice a year monks dress as the Citipati 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.