Shoulder ornament made of carved bone plaques and beads; Tibet, 19th century.

A set of shoulder ornaments consisting of two large openwork bone plaques carved with a Wheel of the Law (hanging at each shoulder). From the bottom corner of each hangs three strings of beads with a representation of the Endless Knot decorated in turn with further strands of beads. The two large plaques are joined to two other sets of ornaments by double rows of beads interspersed with other small square plaques bearing one of the Eight Auspicious Emblems. The two other sets of ornaments (hanging on chest and at the back) consist of a jointed double vajra and Wish Fulfilling Jewel, both in two halves and with other strings of beads hanging from them.

Formerly on loan from Captain E.W.Fletcher.

This shoulder ornament is part of a ritual costume made from carved human bone once worn in Tibet by lamas (priests) of the Nyingmapa or 'Old Order' during exorcisms. Such costumes were also worn by other orders of Tibetan Buddhists during exorcistic monastic dances.

IS.1:6-2007