Bell

Item number N3.40 b from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

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Description

Three identical cylindrical silver bells formed of two halves joined with a circular ridge, each with a slit that has circular openings at each end in the bottom half. Each bell is covered with repousse floral designs, and each is attached with a small loop to a ring of silver metal. The bells are strung on a piece of white twill tape.

History Of Use

Parents attached bells to their children’s clothing because they believed the sound the bells made to be joyful and protective, in that the sound repelled devils. The sound also helped them to know where the child was. Sometime bells were attached to colourful tassel ornaments “no-ri-gae” that were then attached to children’s clothing. They also could be used as buttons or as decorations. Shamans also use bells on a special stick used in ceremonies, which also has feathers and other ornaments. Bells with a loud sound likely were used by shamans rather than by children. Such bells may have been given by a bell-maker as a bonus with a purchase.