Amulet Box (ga'u)

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On display

V&A South Kensington
The Himalayas and South-East Asia, Room 47a

Artist/Maker	Unknown
Place of origin	Tibet (made)

This amulet case or ga'u of silver and coral, was used to hold rolled prayers and blessed or holy objects believed to protect the wearer from evil. This type of round amulet box was most popular among the nomads of north east Tibet. Such boxes were worn suspended on a strap or sash across the shoulder or around the waist when travelling.

Object details

Category	India Museum
Object type	Amulet box
Title	Amulet Box (ga'u)
Materials and techniques	Silver, brass and coral Silver Coral Cast
Brief description	A round silver amulet box set with a central coral with radiating geometrical decoration on its front.
Physical description	An amulet box or ga'u used to contain rolled prayers and blessed or holy objects believed to protect the wearer against evil.
Dimensions	Length: 17.5cm
Gallery label	Three Amulet Cases (Ga’u) 1800–79 Amulet cases were used to hold holy objects or written prayers, believed to protect the wearer from evil. The small turquoise-set case was worn as an insignia of rank in the hair of government officials, while the oval silver one was worn by women. The round amulet to the right was popular among the nomads of north-east Tibet. Tibet Gilded copper alloy and turquoise Museum no. 03051(IS) Silver Museum no. 03065(IS) Silver, brass and coral Museum no. 02805(IS)(14/06/2011)
Summary	This amulet case or ga'u of silver and coral, was used to hold rolled prayers and blessed or holy objects believed to protect the wearer from evil. This type of round amulet box was most popular among the nomads of north east Tibet. Such boxes were worn suspended on a strap or sash across the shoulder or around the waist when travelling.
Collection	South & South East Asia Collection
Accession number	02805(IS)

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Record created	December 15, 2003
Record URL	https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O87367/amulet-box-gau-amulet-box-unknown/

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