Asian ethnic minority artifacts textiles, tribal arts, primitive Asian Ethnic Artifacts
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Sri Lanka : Pre 1900 item #724084 (stock #ZMisc107)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
SOLD
This Buddhist sutra book was from Ceylon, now called Sri Lanka. The front and rear wooden covers painted red with random gold paint spatters. The sutra book contains 16 handwritten pages made from palm leaves, which are held between the covers with cord. Measurements 25" x 2"
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1900 item #1296812 (stock #T195)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$310.00
This old Tibetan pouch would have been worn for festival both for decoration and coins...it is not a flint strike...clearly it has been used (probably passed from generation to generation)...decorated with coral and turquoise...a few metal enhavcements are missiog...
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1900 item #1297975 (stock #T197)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
Lovely antique copper pot with ornate reposse silver decoration from Tibet. Probably used for butter tea...Roughly 13 inches high...heavy gauge copper with a few minor surface dents commensurate with age...Rare and gorgeous
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : India : Pre 1920 item #824544 (stock #ZMisc130)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
sold
Instead of shoes, sandals such as these were worn in villages throughout India. Hand carved from indigenous woods, frequently teak and fitted to the individual wearer. The knob on the toe prevented the sandals from falling off and no other attachment was used.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1900 item #1310775 (stock #T198)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
Lovely hinged old metal box with top depicting central figure of seated Quan Yin flanked with flying angels. All 4 sides of the box also have ornate filigree and stone work. Measures 7 x 3.5 x 1.25 inches. All metal work and stone work is intact but there are a few dents on the bottom of the box
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1920 item #1474247 (stock #T210)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$225.00
This antique sutra book is from Tibet... more pages than I want to count, original paper, writings and covers... size 6 inches x 2 x 1.5
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : India : Pre 1910 item #1062090 (stock #Misc156)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
This antique small iron mortar fits easily into the closed hand was used for grinding medicinal herbs. The pestle is attached with a hand made chain. Sourced from Maharasha, India...great aged patina.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1910 item #992641 (stock #T120)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
Tibetan woman wore their hair in long braids which were slipped into elaborately embroidered textile sleeves for festivals.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1920 item #1347625 (stock #T199)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$250.00
Lovely old pair of matching Tibetan tea bowls. Carved from burl wood with silver/metal decoration around the foot and silver liner inside the bowls. bowls are roughly 2 inches high and 3.75 inches diameter across the rimmed bowl
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1900 item #1253876 (stock #T190)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$275.00
Very Nice patina on this old Tibetan Dorje. It is 7 inches long. The Tibetan Dorje is the equivalent of the India Buddhist symbol of Vajra or Thunderbolt which represents the masculine force....
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1920 item #1080134 (stock #T166)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
This traditional small leather purse would have been used as an ornament and hung from a belt by a Tibetan woman during festival. It is heavily decorated with silver metal, turquoise and coral beads. This is an old one and is in excellent condition.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1800 item #1377163 (stock #T204)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
Though the traditional practice of Tibetan "sky burial" is well known. But in some areas of Tibet the Buddhist practice of cremation is also used for some individuals, and The ashes are placed in a box made specifically for that purpose. This cremation box dates to the 18th century and has carved line decoration on the sides... It is made so that the top is keyed to the bottom and slides open from one end...
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1920 item #1170809 (stock #T180)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
This antique copper gau would have been kept in a prayer niche in the home and would be worn as an ornament for festival. In place of the Tsatsa (clay figure), there is a Tsakli. It was common practice to use a tsakli (small picture card) to represent the religious item which would be placed in the gau, when time and money became available. The original written talisman remains inside the gau also...
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1900 item #1098178 (stock #ZT170)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
Sale Pending
This Buddhist figure was cast in bronze and sewn into a leather case. It would have been carried in a pocket or worn hanging about the neck by the leather thong...a personal amulet or talisman meant for protection. Good condition, 4 the case in 4 inches high and 3 inches across at the widest point.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1900 item #1183697 (stock #T182)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
This antique copper reposse gau houses a picture instead of a clay tsa tsa which was common for a family gau. when the family could afford to do so, the picture would be replaced by a clay tsatsa. Curiously, this gau also houses 2 amulets, which were typically provided by a monk. The paper is very old and I am told it is bad Karma to unfold the amulet...
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1900 item #1266197 (stock #T193)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$125.00
This small hand painted picture on cloth, called a Tsakli was used for Buddhist religious instruction and rituals in Tibet. The back of the card has Tibetan writing...Obvious condition issues...This card and others listed on this site were all antique cards when they were brought out of Tibet in the 60's...roughly 3.75 x 3.5 inches
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1910 item #761306 (stock #ZT124)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
sold
Hanging from the belt on a leather strap, the stylized milking hook was the essential item of ornamentation for any Tibetan woman properly dressed for a festival. Surrounding the hook surface is a heavy etched silver band. The bronze/brass hook has is etched with markings and is inset with 5 large beads, set in silver bezels. The original leather strap shows lots of wear.

These ceremonial hooks have become hard to obtain...

All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1837 VR item #929887 (stock #T148)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$655.00
Both the wooden front and back covers of this Buddhist Sutra book are hand carved with different symbols. The numerous text pages are beautifully written with rich black ink with specific words written in red ink. The book still has its original leather binding strap.

This Tibetan sutra book approximately 12 inches wide, 4 inches tall, and 2 inches thick. Though the pages are in good condition, the covers show years of wear and use and is a wonderful artifact of an old culture.

All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : India : Pre 1910 item #1020847 (stock #Misc151)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
The black stone tile has mosaic inlay of mother of pearl Taj Mahal detailed with black pen ink lines. This Anglo Indian Victorian piece from the Raj era would have come from the Visagapatam region of India, which was known for its finely detailed black pen ink designs.

Pristine condition and very beautiful. Measured top to bottom and side to side 6 inches each way...measured point to point 6.5 inches

All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : India : Pre 1900 item #1097659 (stock #Misc160)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
This antique Dhokra depicts a large fish being ridden by 2 women and is probably representing some tribal legend or myth. Dhokras were made by the Kondh tribe of the state of Orissa India. The Dhokra, or small sculptures, were made as toys, ritual objects as well as gifts and talismans. They were much a part of tribal craftsmanship and culture during the 1700's and 1800's. Dhokras were made from a clay base with a net-like pattern and then cast in bronze using the lost wax technique...
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1800 item #799443 (stock #T130)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$375.00
This Mongolian oil lamp was made in 3 sections, which were then "welded" together. From the 3 seam marks, it appears that the base was made from 3 parts which were joined and hammered into shape. The stem was a long square length of rod which was twisted during heating. Typically, these lamp stands would have a shallow bowl with a short dull spike for a candle, or a tripod oil bowl could also be placed on the top bowl according to the owners resources and preferences...
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : India : Pre 1900 item #842059 (stock #Misc131)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$315.00
According to many Indians, this old juicer would also doubled as a pasta maker. With the carved animal heads on each side, and great aged patina, it makes an interesting sculptural artifact of India's culture.

Measures 12 high, 10 inches wide and 6 inches deep.

All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : India : Pre 1920 item #913236 (stock #ZMisc140)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
sold
This elaborate antique embroidery panel is from Gujrat India and would have been used as a dowery quilt. It is backed with soft aged (now muted) cotton fabric, leaving a 4 inch border surrounding the embroidery. The gold and silver metallic threads are also somewhat subdued and blended giving the panel a soft and somewhat muted appearance which is very pleasing...
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1900 item #1155377 (stock #T177)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
This antique type of metal work was common in Nepal during the 1800's and into the early 1900's. The birds beak is carved from bone which is dyed to color. The "jewels" are colored glass i.e. enamel drops of orange, turquoise and dark brown. Beak to tail tip the bird measures 3.5 inches and stands 2 inches high. Very good condition with one "jewel" missing on the side.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1900 item #1238449 (stock #ZT187)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
sold
This lovely antique bell is a traditional Ghanta, which is a Tibetan Buddhist ritual bell, sometimes called Dril, bu,and/or singing bell. Just over 6 inches tall, this Ghana is paired with the Dorje at the top of the handle, and the surface is decorated with an abundance of Tibetan symbols. This bell has the original clapper, has a lovely tone and beautiful patina. Bell is 6.5 inches (16.5 CM) tall

The Ghanta represents feminine power, wisdom, receptiveness, and the voice of the Buddha.

All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1900 item #1297907 (stock #T196)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
Tibetan Buddhist monks Hand made folded paper with text and amulets. one side mostly with text and amulets on lower section. other side drawn amulet drawings with text This piece was from a collection gathered in Tibet in the late 60's..aged conservatively from the 1800's
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1900 item #768862 (stock #T125)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$750.00
This old drum from Nepal was used for festival and carried in parades. The man would use the left hand to hold the drum by the handmade ropes across the back of the drum. He would use the right hand to strike the drum skin. The chains and metal bits hanging from the bottom would add an extra "jangle" sound while drum moving. Clearly made as folk art instrument, the drum is somewhat out of round and about 18" at the widest diameter.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1900 item #1098039 (stock #T171)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
This antique Tibetan purse would have been used as a costume ornament during festival. It is decorated with silver and bronze fittings and coral and turquoise stones. Passed from generation to generation, and used extensively, this piece shows it age. Such purses would have held precious coins and the occasional flint but would not be considered as a Tibetan "strike a light" because of the lack of the striker plate.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1910 item #1406975 (stock #T208)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
Old wooden Phurba...nicely aged patina from handling and use... Faces topped with diadems, 3 side "blade"section has carved scroll design almost 11 inches long high. Alternative spelling...phurpa,phurbha, Pronunciation: Fur-bah The Phurba is a special triple sided Tibetan ritual dagger or stake, patterned after an ancient Vedic tool. Originated as a stake that tethered sacrificial animals...
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1920 item #1371130 (stock #T203)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
This unusual small triangular shaped snuff bottle 2 of the 3 sides of the piece have carefully repouse Tibetan symbols..no makers marks...a few tiny dents ...no loss. It was brought back from Tibet by a man who went on a long walkabout from Istanbul to Tibet back in the late 60's...China was not open at the time...and Tibet ..he traveled with a backpack,limited space,few small momentoes and he was picky...old pieces only... bottle is approx 1.75 inches high
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1920 item #1029643 (stock #T152)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$550.00
The Tibetan leather flint pouch (aka strike a light) is properly known as a "mechag" (me = fire , chag = iron) or fire iron. This Tibetan flint pouch is decorated with ornate silver and bronze ornamentation with an inset red bead which appears to be a replacement for the original bead. The pouch would have been secured to the wears belt with the attached leather strap...
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1920 item #716523 (stock #T119)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
This elaborate beaded breastplate would have been worn for festivals by a wealthy Tibetan woman. The main section has 3 ornate silver and turquoise ornaments surrounded by a raised beaded coil which is bordered with cowrie shells. The neckline rolled and padded.

It is 13 inches across at the widest point and can be tied around the neck using the attached fabric ties. As is obvious in the pictures, there are a couple areas of lose on the turquoise ornaments.

All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1920 item #931371 (stock #T149)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
Price on Request
This short sword and matching scabbard from Bhutan is elaborately decorated. The knife handle or sword hilt has a leather cover which is detail with silver reposse and a coral bead. The wooden scabbard is covered with leather and is decorated with an elaborate silver reposse dragon. The knife blade is has a series of added symbols. The belt loop is also decorated with a series of silver objects...
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1910 item #1012290 (stock #T151)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$650.00
Originally part of a full sized Tibetan adult costume, this piece was cut down to complete a childs festival costume. Decorated with turquoise, coins, tassels and silver ornaments, this type of textile accessory would often be attached to the elaborate headdress or hat and drape down the back to complete the wearers costume. The Tibetan people are not wastefull and items of festival garments in any condition are hard to acquire. I have had it hanging on my wall for a number of years. Today, ...
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : India : Pre 1920 item #1053809 (stock #Misc155 )
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
The charming old tribal womans purse is heavily embroidered on each side and is decorated with mirrors and cowrie shells. Condition is very good, no rips, no tears, just beautifully faded vegetable dyes.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1920 item #1217653 (stock #Misc178)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$125.00
The bone of this hair pin has carved series of circles and a very delicate cross hatch pattern. The top is decorated with strands animal hair. The hair pin is 7.5 inches long. This hair ornament is Naga, which is an indigenous tribal culture in the hills of the north east region of India.