13 Terrifying Artifacts in the World of Collectibles — Do You Dare Touch Them?

There's a popular saying among collectors: "Everything can be played with."
Some even hope that handling certain mystical artifacts can bring them good fortune. But let me tell you — not everything is suitable for everyone. Especially when it comes to certain blood-curdling collectibles, those with a timid heart might want to think twice!

1. Skull Beads

Skull imagery often appears in collectibles — sometimes fierce, sometimes quirky. Crafted from materials like turquoise, olive pits, or walnuts, these pieces can be handled directly or strung into jewelry.

Some skulls are so menacing that even the bravest might hesitate to touch them.

It is said that skull motifs originated in Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism, particularly associated with the deity Citipati. Legends claim that practicing Citipati rituals can bring wealth, longevity, and protection from misfortune and evil spirits. In particular, they are believed to protect against graveyard omens and help practitioners achieve favorable rebirth and even enlightenment.

Many collectors are captivated by skull-themed pieces, finding beauty as the items acquire a rich patina over time.

2. Kapala (Human Bone Rosaries)

Among Tibetan artifacts, nothing strikes more fear than the Kapala rosary — prayer beads made from human bones.

In Tibet, only the bones of highly revered monks are permitted to be crafted into rosaries. After a monk’s body is offered to the vultures in a sky burial, his remaining bones are used for sacred purposes.

Monks who specialize in creating bone rosaries meticulously carve the bones while chanting mantras thousands of times, imbuing the beads with incredible spiritual power.

Not all human bones qualify. Only beads crafted from phalanges (finger bones) or brow bones are considered true Kapala; others are simply known as human bone beads.

Still, at the end of the day, they are made from human remains. Would you dare to handle one? Moreover, in today's chaotic artifact markets, how can you be certain that the bone came from a virtuous monk — and not from darker origins?

3. Sanjie牌 (Three Realms Plaque)

Another eerie collectible is the Sanjie牌, a plaque made from the skull of an animal.

It is believed that the skull retains the animal's concentrated life force, making it an extremely potent talisman against evil.

Many plaques are intricately carved with images symbolizing the idea that "a single thought determines whether one becomes Buddha or demon." Typically made from deer bone, these plaques are often paired with Bodhi seeds.

Still, handling a piece made from a skull might feel a little too macabre for some!

4. Snake Bone Bracelets

Snake bone bracelets gained popularity in Thailand and soon found their way into the world of collectibles.

Crafted from the bones of wild snakes, these bracelets are said to have protective and transformative powers. However, some claim they carry both positive and negative energies.

When it comes to mystical claims, it's always better to proceed with caution — true change comes from within, not just from what's in your hand.

5. Ghost Face Bodhi Seeds

These unusual Bodhi seeds are named for their resemblance to ghostly faces.

Despite their eerie appearance, Ghost Face Bodhi seeds are prized for their ability to promote mindfulness, ward off evil, and aid in spiritual cultivation.

Holding one may cause a few shivers at first, but over time, many collectors grow to appreciate their unique charm.

6. Blood-Dripping Lotus Seeds

The Blood-Dripping Lotus is a type of Bodhi seed that turns a deep red color as it is polished and handled — resembling drops of fresh blood.

Despite its sinister name, the Blood-Dripping Lotus is beautiful when fully polished and is believed to enhance health by balancing internal energies.

7. Green Phantom Quartz

The name "Green Phantom" might sound chilling, but this stunning green quartz is anything but frightening in appearance.

Known as the "Ghost Wealth Stone," Green Phantom Quartz is highly sought after for its beauty and its reputed ability to attract wealth and success.

Its internal mineral inclusions create breathtaking landscapes within the crystal, making each piece unique.

8. Chicken Blood Vine

Chicken Blood Vine gets its name from the red sap that oozes from its stems when cut, resembling fresh blood.

Despite its ominous name, it is a prized material for jewelry and traditional medicine, believed to dispel evil and promote health.

9. Snakewood

Snakewood’s dense, scaly pattern resembles snake skin, making it both mesmerizing and unsettling to look at.

Originating from South America, this rare wood is treasured by collectors, although those with trypophobia (fear of small holes or clusters) may find it deeply uncomfortable.

10. Corpse Oil Amulets

The allure of Thai amulets has swept across many countries, but not all amulets are what they seem.

Some so-called amulets are actually yin amulets — created using corpse oil and other macabre materials. These items are believed to carry dark energies and can bring misfortune instead of blessings.

11. Blood Jade

Blood jade is said to form when a jade piece is placed into a human’s throat upon death, absorbing blood over centuries to create intricate red veins.

Due to the gruesome legends and the questionable methods used to create fake versions (such as burying jade inside live animals), blood jade is considered highly inauspicious and best avoided.

12. Snake Skull Connectors

Some collectors take their fascination with bones further by playing with snake skull connectors — beads made from the heads of snakes.

It's said that cobra bones are particularly prized. However, given the violent process by which they are made, and the heavy spiritual burden such items might carry, they are best left untouched by most.

13. Thai Amulets

Thai amulets come in many forms — some crafted from sacred objects, others rumored to be imbued with darker forces.

While many celebrities reportedly owe their fame to lucky amulets, caution is advised. Without proper understanding and respect, wearing a mystical amulet might bring more trouble than good fortune.

Final Thought:
Everything can be played with — from hawthorn seeds to cherry pits! As long as you find joy, peace, and meaning in your practice, it doesn’t matter whether you collect rare treasures or humble pieces.
But chasing the strange and the uncanny? That path is not for everyone.