Ornament Item Number: Edz1083 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Small, flat octagonal metal disc with a concentric pattern of segmented lines and a yin-yang in the centre.
History Of Use
Silver amulets with protective designs were used by parents to protect their children from supernatural harm and thus to preserve their lives. They would be worn on a cord or chain around the child’s neck, or sewed to the child’s hat.
Narrative
From a shop or market stall in Macao. The use, meaning, and history of this object was explained by Mrs. Yau Chan, Shek-ying, of Kwan Mun Hau Village, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong.
Iconographic Meaning
The eight combinations of solid and broken lines (trigrams) and the yin-yang symbol were and are believed to be protective. Round mirrors surrounded by the trigrams are often hung above the doors of dwellings.
Item History
- Made in Macau ? during 1979
- Collected by Elizabeth L. Johnson in Macau, China 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
- Edz1083
- Type of Item
- ornament
- Material
- silver metal
- Overall
- diameter 2.0 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
- Macau ?
- Collected in
- Macau, China
When
- Creation Date
- during 1979
- Collection Date
- during 1979
- Ownership Date
- before March 17, 1980
- Acquisition Date
- on March 17, 1980
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0610/0053