On display

Amulet Box

ca. first half 19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This small amulet container was used by officials of the Fourth Rank and higher in the Lhasa government as insignia of office. Such boxes were tied into the two braided hair knots government officials wore on top of their heads.

Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silver gilt and inset turquoises
Brief description
A small silver gilt amulet box set with turquoises.
Physical description
A small silver gilt and turquoise amulet case.
Dimensions
  • Length: 5.3cm
  • Width: 5.5cm
  • Height: 4cm
  • Depth: 1.2cm
Gallery label
(14/06/2011)
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)
Production
Tibet
Summary
This small amulet container was used by officials of the Fourth Rank and higher in the Lhasa government as insignia of office. Such boxes were tied into the two braided hair knots government officials wore on top of their heads.
Collection
Accession number
03051(IS)

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Record createdJanuary 15, 2004
Record URL
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