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Observations and tentative conclusions
This page is constantly adapted to new reports and findings.
The conclusions are therefore strictly tentative.
A proposal for more definite conclusions is expected first part of 2012.
Distribution and use
The classic type A tiger bells have the widest distribution area. They occur in many countries in Northwest, Southwest and Southeast Asia. Newly made variations of type A bells are even found as far as in Europe (Russia, Malta) and North America (by Chinese communities; curio- and antique shops not included). In Central Asia and Central China type A bells are outnumbered by other types of tiger bells, larger type B bells in particular.
In most regions in Asia and with most ethnic groups, the type A tiger bells are related to shamanism and magic. In certain regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan (both now strongly islamic countries) these tiger bells are used for animals and as dance bells.
With those groups that use the type A tiger bells for animals, these animals often have a special religious (dogs in Tibet) or supernatural (cats with the Minangkabau) status. With the Akha (Chang Mai region) and in one case in Burma, type A tiger bells seem to be used for animals without any supernatural connotation. This is also the case in Afghanistan and Pakistan where type A tiger bells are used for domestic animals such as sheep and goats.
Large numbers of type A tiger bells are found in Southeast Siberia, Northeast China and Mongolia where they were, and are, used by shamans. These bells are also common with certain ethnic groups in insular Southeast Asia, such as in Sarawak and in Kalimantan where they are used by Dayak belian (local shamans). The Iban and Bidayu Dayak use these bells also as amulets. In the southern Philippines (Mindanao, Mindoro) tiger bells are used as amulets and dance bells. The Malaysian Iban Dayak have the largest variation in size of type A tiger bells, with diameters up to 5 c.m.New tiger bells are found in Singapore, in China, Mongolia and South Siberia. New variations of the type A tiger bells are sold in Chinese shops in the Western world. These new bells are mass produced in China.
In Turkey, in a bazaar in Istanbul, three type A tiger bells, similar to the bells in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia were found. It is however not yet ascertained that they are connected with one or more ethnic groups in Turkey.
Several tens of tiger bells are in still in use in Malta by horse owners. Most likely the bells arrived in Malta during the period that Malta was part of the British Empire, together with other countries such as Hong Kong.
Since several years new tiger bells based on type A bells occur in large numbers, as shaman attributes and as amulets, and in internet shops on the web. These bells are mass produced in factories in China and possibly in South Korea and, on a smaller scale, in Taiwan.
Type B
Tiger bells type B have a smaller distribution area, restricted to Thailand, Bangladesh, Nepal, Tibet, Vietnam, probably Laos and Mongolia. The bells are very common and mostly used as animals bells, for yaks, horses and cows. In Nepal, Tibet and Northeast China , B type tiger bells are used by Tibetan, Nepalese and Mongolian shamans. In Thailand these bells are sometimes used as door knobs.
Type C
Tiger bells type C are found in Nepal, where they are very common, in Bhutan and possibly in Tibet. These bells, tied to belts and chains are used by shamans, and for animals. The bells are reported to be produced in India (Dehra dun, Rajpur).
Type D
Until now, tiger bells type D have been found in small numbers in Vietnam, Burma and probably Laos. They are used as horse bells (Vietnam, Laos) and as a musical instrument (Burma).
Alternatives
In several places variations on the type A bell and B bells are found. Alternative type A bells from Nepal, Syria and China and alternative type B bells from Bangladesh are examples. Some variations occur in large numbers. Some of these bells are clearly new bells.There are no reports of tiger bells in the Cambodia, Japan, Sikkim, Sri Lanka, and most of the islamic countries in Central and South Asia and the Arab part of the Middle East, except Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh.
Type A and alternatives based on the type A tiger bells
Type A like bells are still being produced in Peking, and probably in Mongolia and Taiwan.
In 1976 one Tagakaolu tribesman (from Mindanao, the Philippines) said that the tiger bells in posession of the group were 'older than fifty years'. The estimate gave more an impression of a very long time than an accurate estimate.
In Malta several tens of tiger bells were bought by local horse owners. They claim that these bells are more than one hundred years old.
One antique dealer in Nanking sold one tiger bell of a rough A type and said that the bell was from the Kuang Hsu dynasty which ruled from 1875 - 1908. The bell would be about 100 to 150 years old.
A variation on the A type tiger bell was sold by an antique dealer in South Korea through eBay. The bell is said to be from the same period as the bell sold in Nanking: the Kuang Hsu dynasty (see the paragragph above). This dynasty is part of the Qing dynasty which was established by Manchu leaders and ruled from 1644 - 1911. This particular bell dates from the second half of the 19th century.
A horse bell of an alternative variation but close to the type A tiger bells also originates from the Manchu Qing dynasty.
On eBay one bell from Afghanistan is presented as dating from 1700 - 1800 AD. The same company offers a bell from Pakistan dating from 1600 - 1700 AD. Thus the age of the bells would be about 300 to 400 years old.
Another tiger bell from eBay is from the Middle East (no country or region is given) and is prersented as being from the 15th to the 16th century.
The two tiger bells from Russia that were found in a potato field near Tver (150 km. north-west of Moscow) are at least 500 years old.
One antique dealer in Singapore, Tiepolo's mr David Mun, said that the bells were not older that 600 to 700 years and probably from the Han dynasty.
Ethnographics, curio and antique dealer Eddy Lauren in Legian, Bali, stated that the tiger bell, from Timor, was from 'before Majapahit', about 1300 AD, so older than 700 years.
Tom Ulbrich and Bui Kim Dinh from Vietnam reported a tiger bell from Northern Vietnam. The bell's age was estimated at about 1000 years by an antique dealer and expert.
One antique dealer in Klaten (mr. Om Bram, East Java) had a small A type tiger bell. According to him the bell was from the T'ang dynasty, about 500 AD. That would set the bells' age at about 1500 years.Four reports of alternative bells from China, Burma, New York and Korea demand special attention. The bells are identical except for their size. The bell from China is dated as from the end of the 19th century; the Burmese bell is simply dated as antique, the bells from New York are newly made. There are no details on the Korean bell. This implies that these particular bells are continuously produced since the 19th century until now.
Type B
No one could give an age estimate of these bells. Type B tiger bells are very common in Thailand and possibly in Burma, Tibet and Nepal, and occur in large numbers scattered over East Asia. Some of the bells look new. That makes it likely that they are still being produced.
Type C
The tiger bells type C occur in Nepal and Tibet. No one could give an estimate of the age of the older bells. Type C tiger bells are still being produced in Northern India.
Type D
No age estimates are known. Many bells of this type look heavily worn and have a black patina. This indicates a considerable age, probably comparable with older type A bells.
Production
Type A
There are many variations in the design and the quality of these bells. They were produced with the 'lost wax' process, probably using molds and stamps. Because of the sometimes large concentrations and the wide distribution area, type A tiger bells must have been produced on a large scale, probably many thousands, over several hundreds of years. This would explain the many variations: even using molds or stamps, the lost wax process could not guarantee identical products: molds wear out, stamps are made again and again from copies made of copies. However the basic motif has remained remarkably unchanged.
Type A bells larger than about 2,5 c.m. have different sides, notable in the characters and minor differences in the design. The smaller A bells have identical sides.
Tiger bells were produced in batches using the 'lost wax' process. Through time, different molds were used: the type A tiger bells from Afghanistan, Pakistan, East Kalimantan and Taiwan are almost identical; some Iban bells and the bell from the Bahau Dayak are identical to the Kaudern bell from Sulawesi.
Some bells look new, others are roughly finished. With some bells the motif has changed, the brass lines are of poor quality, hoops are rough, not centered or round instead of rectangular. These things indicate mass-production with at times less strict quality control. Production has continued over centuries, probably until recent times. Because of the large numbers it is possible that there were more production facilities. The location of these production facilities, and probably also the origin of the type A tiger bells, is almost certainly in Northeast China (former Manchuria). There is one indication of supporting production facilities in other parts of Asia (in Taiwan) but most likely the majority of old type A tiger bells come from the China-Manchuria region, maybe even from one place in that region. It is possible that alternative bells (type A tiger bells with variations in the design) were produced in other places in Asia.In an article on the social status of different types of bells among the Puyuma of Taiwan the author suggests that tiger bells have been and still are produced locally.
Another new variation of type A tiger bells is made in one or two workshops in Peking.
An alternative bell from Syria, for dale in hardware stores, is said to be produced locally. The bell is identical to an alternative bell from Korea.
Since the year 2000 a factory in east China produces tiger bells in large quantities. These bells are distributed all over the world and often found on internet websites where they are offered as old and antique bells. The new bells from southern Mongolia, several of the bells from Korea, several of the examples based on the design from the Qing dynasty and other alternative bells were most likely produced in this factory
Type B
Although these bells are very common on the mainland it is not known where they are produced. There are indications that they come from North Thailand. As with the type A bells, there are many variations. A few characteristics are consistent: there is no 'Wang' character, on the forehead we very often see a round Chinese character (probably 'prosperity or 'long life''), sometimes two characters.
Type C
These bells vary in quality and design, from very good to very rough. Type C tiger bells were probably not produced in Nepal or Tibet but in Northern India (Uttar Pradesh, Himachalpradesh). New type C tiger bells are said to be produced in workshops in Dehra Dun and Rajpur (Uttar Pradesh, India).
Type D
When and where these bells were produced is unknown. Unlike the A, B and C bells, these bells are probably not produced anymore.
Other observations
In the Philippines, no tiger bells were reported in Luzon, nor with several groups in Southeast Mindanao (such as the T'boli, Atta, Tiruray or the muslim Maranaw, Maguindanao and Tausog). Other groups in Mindanao (Tagakaolu, Bagobo, B'laan, Mandaya, Manuvu) do have tiger bells. They also practice a different kind of gong chime playing technique: the gongs are suspended on a vertical frame. Groups without tiger bells such as the muslims and the T'boli play the gong chime on a horizontal frame.
In Sarawak, no tiger bells were reported with the Kelabit Dayak and the Melanau Dayak. In Kalimantan, the Ngadju are one large Dayak group without tiger bells. The Iban and Bidayu Dayak have large amounts of tiger bells type A in varuious sizes.
Proto Malayans
In the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia (Sarawak), ethnic groups which have these bells are all descendants from a group sometimes called the Proto Malayans, in other sources they are referred to as the 'Ancient Peoples'. However not all 'Ancient People' have tiger bells.Neo-Siberians versus the Paleo-Siberians
In Eastern Siberia a similar observation can be made: type A tiger bells occur in large numbers on the shaman costumes of ethnic groups belonging to the Neo-Siberians, e.g. the Ewenk. With these groups the shaman's costume is much more elaborately decorated than with groups belonging to the Paleo-Siberians. The Paleo-Siberian Gilyak are an exception: their shamanic practices and paraphernalia are strongly influenced by the Neo-Siberian Ewenk. (In several sources the Ewenk are mentioned as Paleo-Siberians).Very few reports of tiger bells in mainland China
Although almost all types of tiger bells have Chinese elements (characters in particular) in the design the reports from China are scarce. The examples that we know off concern bells used as an amulet, in local or regional folklore and among ethnic minorities. These bells are of the A type. They are about 1 to 1,5 century old, some seem more recently made. Large numbers of tiger bells (particularly type A bells) occur in the northern parts of today's China, former Manchuria and former Inner Mongolia.The come back of shamanism
After the falling apart of the Soviet Union a revival of shamanism began in several of these East Siberian states (e.g. Tuva). These new shamans need the traditional ritual paraphernalia. Most of these were however destroyed by the local old regime leaders. Now these objects are made again and so are the tiger bells. These new bells have variations in design but are clearly still based on the tiger's head motif. They are also used as amulets by the local communities.The Hazara in Afghanistan and Pakistan
The Hazara are one ethnic group now living in North Pakistan and Afghanistan. Several hundreds of years ago they migrated from Mongolia to their present location. The Hazara are one group that use (or used) tiger bells of the A type.Shamanism in Afghanistan and Pakistan
In a paper titled Malang, Sufis, and Mystics, the author dr. Muhammad Humayun Sidky describes the arrival of shamanism from North Asia into Afghanistan and Pakistan before Islam became the dominant religion.Europe and America
In Europe, tiger bells type A were found in Turkey, Malta and Russia. The presence in Turkey could be related to the shamanic past of some of the Turkish ethnic groups. The presence in Malta is almost certainly a result of trade activities combined with a passion for horses (possibly during the period when Malta was part of the British Empire, together with a.o. Hong Kong).The bells from Tver were found in a potato field. They could very well be brought there during the Mongol invasions in the 13th century. This would link the distribution of the tiger bells type A to the invasions of the Mongols during the 13th to 15th century.
From North America there is one report of a basket full with newly made tiger bells (similar to the Qing bell, a bell from Burma and a bell from Korea) in a Chinese shop in New York. Because of the large number of bells they were probably for local use, e.g. as an amulet (as in Singapore). The same has occured in the Netherlands (Amsterdam).
No tiger bells of any type are reported in Japan, Cambodia and Sikkim, Africa, the Pacific, Australia, South America and New Zealand.
In Europe and the USA tiger bells were (and are) for sale in curio and ethnography shops, etc. These bells are recently produced in China.
Tentative conclusions
The part 'migration tracer' will be revised and rewritten soon.
Type A
These bells seem to be the bells with the longest history. More or less reliable estimates (see Age) indicate that production of these bells started somewhere between 1000 AD and 1300 AD. From the Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911) estimates are more reliable. Production continued until the last century. New variations of type A are nowl produced in China.
Large concentrations of type A tiger bells in Northeast Asia indicate that production started in that part of China that used to be known as Manchuria. Because of following migration waves and changing locations of groups with a preference for these bells, the bells were mass produced centrally and distributed over the area via existing trade routes. Possibly other production facilities were established but so far there are no firm indications that support this (with a possible exception for Taiwan).
Tiger bells were produced in batches using the 'lost wax' process. Molds were used: the type A tiger bells from Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, East Kalimantan and Taiwan are almost identical; the bell from the Bahau Dayak is identical to the Kaudern bell from Sulawesi.
The 'classic' type A tiger bells are still present, sometimes in large numbers, with some groups at the extremes of the distribution area ( Indonesia, the Philippines, East Siberia, Mongolia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey).
In Southeast Asia, East Siberia and Mongolia the tiger bells are strongly linked to shamanism and magic. The bells were (and are) used as amulets, both by shamans and common people.
Where tiger bells type A were not used for religious purposes (shamanism, amulets) but for animals, the animals often have a special status: dogs in Tibet, cats with the Minangkabau, horses on Sumba and Timor.Among the Karen, and groups in the border area between Afghanistan and Pakistan these bells are used for animals without any special status. In Malta tiger bells are part of the horse harnesses of several horse owners.
Among the Puyuma from Taiwan tiger bells indicate the social status of certain group members (male youth).
A 'migration tracer'?
The peculiar pattern of ethnic groups that have these bells, scattered over an area from the Middle East, Southwest and Southeast Asia to Northeast Asia, combined with factors such as the strong link with shamanism, the age of the oldest type A bells (about 700 to 900 years old) and the fact that the preference for these bells is not shared by other, sometimes neighbouring, groups, could imply that trade has played a minor role in the distribution of tiger bells (at least with the type A bells) over Asia. It is more likely that groups that have tiger bells, have a common origin and ancestors took the bells with them to their new locations.All these factors together could make it possible to link the presence of tiger bells to ethnic groups and their movements over the Asian continent. This would make the tiger bells, and the A type bells in particular, a 'migration tracer'. Once the groups had arrived at their more or less definitive location, the demand for the tiger bells continued. Most likely supply then took place via the established trade routes.
In the case of the Maltese type A tiger bells migration is almost certainly not a factor. The bells arrived there by trade.
Type B
These tiger bells are very common. Their distribution area is considerably smaller than that of the type A tiger bells. These bells are mostly used for animals and probably sometimes as ornaments in the house (such as a doorknob). Shamans in Tibet, Nepal and N.E. China probaby use these bells in their costume.
It is not yet posible to estimate the age of the oldest type B tiger bells. It is very likely that these bells are still produced.
Type C
Type C tiger bells are very common in Nepal and Bhutan, and occur in Tibet. They are still produced in India. As with the type B bells, it is not yet posible to estimate the age of the oldest type C tiger bells.
Type D
Type D tiger bells have a distribution area limited to Vietnam, Burma and probably Laos. Their use seems not to be linked to religion. They are used with musical instruments and on horse harnesses. The oldest bells are probably as old as the type A bells (about 700 years) old but that still has to be verified.Alternatives
These bells occur in different variations in design and age. Some are made locally in small numbers while others are produced in large quantities. For example: one bell, claimed to be produced locally in Syria, is identical to a bell reported in Korea. These facts make it difficult to draw any general conclusions. One particular type of alternative bells is almost certainly produced for more than 100 years.
Epilogue
Since 1994 until recently I ended this page with the following paragraph:
Probably some of you might think that the above mentioned tentative conclusions are not based on enough solid observations and proof. You are right. The area is so vast, and the data, although extensive, are so scattered that the basis for a solid hypothesis is still far away. On the other hand, the peculiar distribution pattern, the strong links with shamanism and the age, probably about 700 to 900 years, make the tiger bells, and the A type bells in particular, objects intriguing enough to give them more attention than just another line in a footnote.In the mean time much information has been gathered, new examples have been found and with the development of Internet literature from many libraries has become accessible to everyone. Developments such as the articles on the arrival of shamanism in the pre-islamic Middle East and in Siberia and many more reports of tiger bells have given me the drive to continue with the search for the history of the tiger bell. Also the growing interest and support from friends, both through the Internet and in person, has kept me going. Yet, the big question remains the same: with a distribution area so vast and data so scattered, will we ever find the definitive answer? Most likely: no. But that does not matter. In this case the search is more important than the outcome. Many people have now seen this tiny object and realise that there is a story behind every little bronze bell with this special design.
Nevertheless: we hope that you will continue helping me with more information, more observations, more photographs, etc. For now I have no intention to stop this search. Hope to hear from you!
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Distribution and use
