Amulet box — Amulet Box (ga'u), Tibet, 1800-1850
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1800-1850
Amulet box in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (museum number 02805(IS)), made in Tibet, dated 1800-1850. The museum's brief description reads: A round silver amulet box set with a central coral with radiating geometrical decoration on its front..
Museum description: An amulet box or ga'u used to contain rolled prayers and blessed or holy objects believed to protect the wearer against evil. The museum records it as Silver, brass and coral, measuring Length 17.5 cm. These details come from the museum's own record; how far this object represents a wider collectible type has not yet been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
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.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- silver, coral
- Dimensions
- Length 17.5 cm
Technical characteristics
- Technique
- Silver, brass and coral
- Place recorded
- Tibet
Identification
- Museum object name
- Amulet box
- Museum object number
- 02805(IS)
- Museum system number
- O87367
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm the wider type, maker and date against a specialist reference.