This unique Skull of a Sacred Monkey that roamed the Buddhist Temples in Tibet. The monkey was raised and meticulously cared for its entire life by the Buddhist Monks and participated in secret religious rituals. After death the skull was dried, preserved, and then Exquisitely Decorated. About mid-center on the back of the skull is a hinge which enables the top half the skull to be opened. Inside is a beautifully decorated holding area, which was used by the Buddhist Monks as a container for an orange ritual Powder and oil.
Apes and monkeys are sacred in India just as they once were in ancient Egypt. The sacred or temple monkey is designated the Hanuman langur by scientists, after the devoted companion of Lord Rama. (Hanu means jaw or chin. Anjaneya is another name for Hanuman, cf. Anjuna Beach in Goa.) The names Bali and Sugreev also refer to monkeys. A langur has long, sharp canine teeth and it can travel as fast as 20 miles an hour, so is not an animal to be teased or trifled with. It also has an excellent aim.
Many Hindu temples encourage their residence as they are seen as signs of divine favor and also act as guardians. The famous Durga Temple in Varanasi is a monkey temple. Buddhist temples protect them, too and their skulls may be used for ritual objects when they die a natural death. Monkey is one of the Four Friends. In a view of the steps leading up to Swayambhu in Nepal, you can see some langurs sitting and lying on the wide, flat railings. A legend has it that these monkeys are the form taken by the lice in bodhisattva Manjushri's hair! Another bodhisattva, Avalokiteshvara embodiment of compassion, descended to earth in the form of a monkey to mate with Senma, a lonely nature spirit, and produce the Tibetan people.
