Very Rare Antique Tibetan Shaman Ngakpa Bronze Tiger & Temple Bells. c18th – c19th

They also belonged to a much-respected therapeutic shaman-healer, a Ngakpa (magician) and their function is for the practices of healing within the ancient Tibetan religious shamanist culture of Bon...

For me to explain Bon tradition would be impossible here. It is difficult to ascertain with any clarity and would prove difficult to put into words within this page. Very few documents exist as this religion dates from the c9th and was suppressed by many Tibetan Buddhists due to its unorthodox beliefs & practices.

I shall therefore devote this listing to these fabulous Tibetan items of historical importance, which are the bells themselves.

Without question they are probably the finest to be seen, or in existence anywhere online being offered for sale outside of private hands. You shall not locate finer... Guaranteed.

Thirteen sacred globular (tiger) bells are evident upon this piece. 13 to signify the lunar months in 1 year. These are positioned in concentric sizes with just one other (temple) bell of a more traditional formation. This solitary one bell signifies one Dharma and/or perfect in the beginning, the middle and the end. The entire string of bells is a representational thought as an expression of oneness.

Each bell is cast bronze. The globular shaped tiger bells also contain a solid ball of bronze in order to make them chime... And chime they do and beautifully. I just wish that I could list their sound, so that you could hear them... They are enchanting.

The globular bells are also individually impressed with numbers. These numbers also hold magical meanings within Tibetan Bon held belief. Each of the bells has also been sacredly blessed and they carry impressed marks of consecration.

Similar bells have quite often been mistakenly named as being `Cattle Herding Bells.' Please make no mistake here. THESE bells were never worn or intended to be hung around the neck of any animal, and neither are they modern-day copies or mass produced imports. Guaranteed.

As with all of my Tibetan items of antiquity these bells were processed through the Archaeological Department in Kathmandu, for customs clearances and attribution. I purchased them myself at Mustang, whilst studying Buddhist art in Nepal.

The largest bell size is an impressive 1.75 inches diameter, whilst the smallest is 1 inch. The one temple bell has a diameter of 1.75 inches and it is 2.25 inches high.

This is a rare opportunity to purchase a truly wonderful example of museum quality Tibetan art.

Total length: 29 inches 74cms Largest tiger bell diameter: 1.75 inches 4.5cms Smallest tiger bell diameter: 1 inch 2.5cms Temple bell height: 2.25 inches 6cms Diameter: 1.75 inches 4.5cms Postage weight: 1k 600gms

* Only sensible offers will be considered for this item at this current Sale Offer price. Shipment to any destination is with Insurance & item tracking only and which shall also require a signature upon receipt *

Item ID: JJ758