An important Gilt Bronze Finial for use atop a staff in Lama private rituals. Wooden Flaming Skull Ornaments (or carved Butter ones) were often placed atop Butter Statues for ceremonies, and their purpose might have been both to protect the faithful priests and attract Good Deities or Spirits (to help in the ritual process). Age-faded pinkish-red colored paint was put on the reverse, and some wear is seen on the face of the skull. Jewels in the eyes and in the flame above his head have been lost, and I estimate his age (few comparisons in the literature) to be MING period. A very rare and desirable image.