ABS 241
Code: ABS 241
Country: Tibet
Style: Burmese style in Tibet
Date: Unknown
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 6.4 x 9.3 x 3.5
Materials: Wood
Ga'u amulet box with Buddha Shakyamuni
A ga'u is an amulet box usually hosting a small statue representing a Buddhist deity or a miniature painting (tsakli), and containing relics –such as bone fragments, hair, or pieces of clothing of deceased teachers– or consecrated substances. The portable ga'u are worn with a fabric or leather strap over the shoulder so that they may hang on the side, or around the neck in front of the chest. Worn close to the body, sometimes tied in the hair, such a container serves as a protecting amulet. A ga'u can normally be closed with a lid like a box and is embellished with gems like corals, turquoise or pearls. Larger specimens are rectangular, while the smaller ones are square, polygonal or round.
This amulet box shelters the statue of historical Buddha Shakyamuni. He his represented seated legs crossed in meditation, touching the ground with his right extended hand while his left rest in his lap in contemplation. This attitude evokes his victory over Mara, god of illusion and death.
A ga'u is an amulet box usually hosting a small statue representing a Buddhist deity or a miniature painting (tsakli), and containing relics –such as bone fragments, hair, or pieces of clothing of deceased teachers– or consecrated substances. The portable ga'u are worn with a fabric or leather strap over the shoulder so that they may hang on the side, or around the neck in front of the chest. Worn close to the body, sometimes tied in the hair, such a container serves as a protecting amulet. A ga'u can normally be closed with a lid like a box and is embellished with gems like corals, turquoise or pearls. Larger specimens are rectangular, while the smaller ones are square, polygonal or round.
This amulet box shelters the statue of historical Buddha Shakyamuni. He his represented seated legs crossed in meditation, touching the ground with his right extended hand while his left rest in his lap in contemplation. This attitude evokes his victory over Mara, god of illusion and death.