Bell Item Number: Ed1.180 a-j from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Ten identical small bells (parts a-j) of thin brass having each end flattened into ellipsoids. Each has a ridge around the mid-section joining two halves. There is a brass wire loop inserted at one end. The slit has a bean-shaped perforation at each end. Three bells (parts a-c) are strung on cords of twisted light red-pink silk. One bell (part d) is strung on a cord of twisted burgundy-red silk. Another bell (part e) is strung on a cord of twisted purple silk respectively. Two bells (parts f-g) are strung on cords of braided pink silk. Three bells (parts h-j) are strung on a flat cord of braided yellow silk. Each cord is approximately 4.5 cm. long (doubled).

History Of Use

Possibly used as a dress ornament by women. Bells are in the shape of a 'wooden fish', a gong used in Buddhist monasteries.

Cultural Context

ornament