Amulet Item Number: 807/5 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Three dimensional brass coloured figure of deity in long tunic holding a bowl in one hand. His head is turned to the side.

History Of Use

Amulets of this type used to be sewed to special hats worn by baby boys and small male children. These hats often were given to the babies by their maternal grandmothers. They were worn by the boys on special occasions such as festivals. The amulets had many forms: deities, animals, birds, fish, and Chinese characters, normally with auspicious meanings. They had generally gone out of use by the time of collection (1981) and were sold as antiques.

Iconographic Meaning

The amulets were both auspicious and protective. This amulet appears to represent a Buddha..

Narrative

This amulet was purchased as an antique in a shop in Vancouver’s Chinatown.