Ornament Item Number: Edz1080 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Light green stone disk with dark green streaks and a round hole in the centre.
History Of Use
Jade ornaments in this shape were and are worn by Chinese people as protective amulets. They are normally worn on a chain or a red or green string around the neck, but they also may be tied to the wrist or ankle of a baby or child. People also wear jade bracelets, or carry pieces of jade attached to their trousers. Jade is believed to have great power to protect the wearer, and people believe that if a jade bracelet breaks this was in place of a bone being broken in a fall, for example. Old, used jade is believed to be especially powerful, including that which was worn by a deceased person who wore it in the grave. When the bones are disinterred, the jade can be exhumed and then worn, especially by a descendent. Jade continues to be worn by Chinese people overseas, as well as those in China itself, and the belief in its protective power remains strong.
Narrative
From jade shop in Kowloon.
Item History
- Made in Hong Kong, China
- Collected by Elizabeth L. Johnson during 1979
- Owned by Elizabeth L. Johnson before March 17, 1980
- Received from Elizabeth L. Johnson (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) on March 17, 1980
What
- Name
- Ornament
- Identification Number
- Edz1080
- Type of Item
- ornament
- Material
- jade mineral ?
- Overall
- height 0.3 cm, diameter 3.6 cm
Who
- Culture
- Chinese: Hakka
- Field Collector
- Elizabeth L. Johnson
- Previous Owner
- Elizabeth L. Johnson
- Received from
- Elizabeth L. Johnson (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Hong Kong, China
When
- Collection Date
- during 1979
- Ownership Date
- before March 17, 1980
- Acquisition Date
- on March 17, 1980
Other
- Condition
- excellent
- Current Location
- Case 83
- Accession Number
- 0610/0050