Prayer Bell
Item number 1707/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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- Data Source
This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.
Description
Metal bell with long sculptural handle and cone-shaped ringer attached underneath with metal wire. The metal bell is grey and grey-green in colour, and has three distinct bands of linear and scrolled designs around the perimeter, the centre, and the top of the bell. The handle is gold coloured and has four metal pieces that bend into a round shape at the top.
History Of Use
Om Mani Padme Han, the Jewel in the Lotus, is the six-syllable mantra chanted by Tibetans to end the rebirth cycle in order to enter nirvana, the state of enlightenment. The predominant religion of Tibet is the Tantric, or Vajrayana, form of Buddhism. Tibetan art has a religious function, with a profusion of specialized ritual objects to aid the worshipper. These objects are produced by skilled craftsmen. During the ritual process a lama, or priest, would hold a vajra, or thunderbolt, in one hand and a ghanta, or prayer bell, in the other. He would unite the symbolic qualities the two objects represented by crossing his arms over his chest.
Iconographic Meaning
The prayer bell, or ghanta, symbolizes wisdom. The crossing of the vajra and ghanta represented the enlightened mind.
Item History
- Made in Tibet between 1800 and 1900
- Owned by Phuntsok Kakho before December 20, 1996
- Received from Phuntsok Kakho (Donor) on December 20, 1996
What
- Name
- Prayer Bell
- Identification Number
- 1707/1
- Type of Item
- bell
- Material
- bronze metal, fibre and metal
- Overall
- height 6.5 in, diameter 3.7 in
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Tibet
Who
- Culture
- Tibetan
- Previous Owner
- Phuntsok Kakho
- Received from
- Phuntsok Kakho (Donor)
When
- Creation Date
- between 1800 and 1900
- Ownership Date
- before December 20, 1996
- Acquisition Date
- on December 20, 1996
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 81
- Accession Number
- 1707/0001
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