Head Shop

“Once you get past the fact that you’re looking at actual heads, you notice the incredible intricacy and craftsmanship that went into decorating them.” Local Tibetan expert Bob Adamo isn’t describing a serial-killer documentary or an episode of CSI. He’s talking about the latest exhibit at midtown new-age store Aquarius (3936 Broadway, 816-931-6303.)Titled Bodies Revered, the exhibit showcases a private collection of sacred Tibetan art and tantric ritual objects, with such artifacts as thighbone trumpets, human-skull bowls and carvings, prayer wheels, statues and paintings. Also on display: those beautifully decorated human skulls. Many of the pieces are the bones of Tibetan nuns and lamas. “They donated their bodies as a reminder,” Adamo says. “Tibetan Buddhists utilize human bones as ritualistic pieces and a means of recognizing the impermanence of life. It’s about not getting too attached to your body, because really, your body is really just a temporary shell — including your head.” The exhibit continues through November. For more information, call 816-931-6303 or see aquariusbooks.com.

Sat., Nov. 8, 2008