The Store – A Journey Through Culture and Survival

The Trading Post is more than just a store—it’s a carefully curated collection of treasures, hand-selected from auctions across the world. If you ever stepped into our last physical store, you’ll remember the strange and wonderful curiosities that filled the space. That spirit lives on here.

At the heart of our collection is American Indigenous tribal art from both North and South America. Each piece carries a story, a connection to a people, a craft, and a history that deserves to be told. Along the way, I’ll share the knowledge and traditions behind these works, honoring the craftsmanship and spirit of those who created them.

Beyond that, the Trading Post will feature art and cultural pieces from across the world—African, Tibetan, Aboriginal, and more. As time goes on, this collection will continue to grow, reflecting my passion for preserving and sharing the beauty of these cultures.

There is an undeniable thread that connects these communities—a history of struggle, resilience, and the fight to be seen not as a chapter in a textbook, but as living, breathing cultures that continue to shape the world today. Their stories are not just history; they are ongoing, and they deserve to be heard.

Next year, I will take you on a journey through some of these places, beginning with North America and Tibet. The echoes between them are profound—both have endured persecution, fought for survival, and held onto their traditions despite unimaginable hardships. The more I learn, the more I am in awe of their similarities—not just in their struggles, but in their art, their beliefs, and the symbols they weave into their jewellery and designs.

This is more than a store. It’s a connection—to history, to culture, and to something greater than ourselves. I invite you to explore, to learn, and to be part of this journey with me.

Kapalas are decorative human skull cups used in Buddhist and Hindu rituals. Often crafted from silver-gilt bronze and adorned with precious metals and jewels, these ritual objects hold deep spiritual significance.

 

Purpose & Symbolism

Kapalas symbolize impermanence, reminding practitioners of life's transient nature. In Vajrayana Buddhism, they serve as a tool for transformation—turning impurities into wisdom, compassion, and enlightenment.

 

Ritual Use

Kapalas play a crucial role in tantric ceremonies, where they are used to offer food and drink to wrathful deities. Their use signifies devotion and the offering of worldly attachments.

 

Alchemy & Transformation

Beyond their ritual use, kapalas are believed to aid in spiritual alchemy, helping practitioners purify negativity and embrace enlightenment.

 

Preparation & Preservation

Carefully collected and prepared for sacred use.

Anointed and consecrated through elaborate rituals.

Stored on a triangular pedestal as a mark of reverence.

Notable Examples

A pair of 19th–early 20th century kapala skull cups, crafted from silver and mixed metals.

A Tibetan human skull kapala, bearing the distinct marks of ritual use.

 

The skull, a powerful symbol of mortality and the cycle of life and death, holds deep religious significance across cultures. In Tibet, Burma, and the surrounding regions, sacred skull necklaces, beads, and malas are worn as potent shields against evil, dark forces, and negative energy. These ritual objects serve not only as protection but as a reminder of impermanence and spiritual awakening.

In pre-Columbian America, the Aztecs and various Mesoamerican tribes revered the skull, elevating it to a place of honor in ceremonies and religious practices. Skulls were seen as gateways between worlds, embodying both the fragility of human existence and the promise of spiritual transformation.

Malas, traditionally composed of 108 beads—or derivatives such as 54 for smaller malas and 12 for bracelets—predate Buddhism’s rise in Tibet. Early malas were made from human bone, symbolizing the impermanence of life, but today, artisans craft them from yak bone, wood, and an array of semi-precious and precious stones. This ancient tradition of prayer beads existed long before the Catholic rosary, weaving a sacred connection between devotion, meditation, and spiritual evolution.