Tiger bells in South East Asia

Vietnam

Tiger bells are of the A type and of the D type.

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Group: Fou

Seven tiger bells type D, in a bundle. Description on the catalogue card:

"Neck bells (Kai-nja-bang-tong) for horses, made of yellow brass with an unclear ornament (a stylized head?)... Used by the Fou (tribe) in the hinterlands of Tongkin."

Leyden Ethnological Museum, collected in 1901.

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In March 2010 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. Unfortunately contact with mr. Ulbrich and mr. Dinh could not be continued.

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Group: unknown

On eBay, a tiger bell type A is offered for sale by Ethnix Tribal and African Arts . No details are given except its age: supposedly about 100 years. The price is US $ 45,-.
January 2010 the bell was removed from the site.

Four views:

The bell is described as follows:

Precious Antique VIETNAMESE TIGER BELL Vietnam
Type of Object: PELLET BELL
Ethnic Group: VIETNAMESE / CHINESE
Country of Origin: VIETNAM
Materials: BRONZE
Approximate Age: 100+ years
Dimensions: 1.5" x 1.75" x 1.25"
Weight: 2.5 ounces
Overall Condition: Used, EXCELLENT

Additional Information:
These Tiger bells have had a history of a wide range of use and distribution. This globular shaped bell has a pellet inside and produces a sound when shaken. The bell has a stylized tiger’s head on the surface and on the top half there is usually one or two Chinese characters and some curved lines and floral motifs. Bells with this design are found throughout Asia from Indonesia and Pakistan to Siberia, where they are used as an amulets by Shamans. The function of these bells ranges from being worn as necklaces to being sewn onto dance costumes. I was lucky to find this one in an antique shop in Vietnam

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