This antique gau would have been worn around the neck of a Tibetan woman during festivals. The gau front and side surfaces are decorated with ornate wire work and the front has small beads of turquoise, coral and Lapis. Originally, the gau box would have contained Buddhist religious relics which were removed long ago... and there is some obvious lose to the enamal work on the inside of the gau. The back fits tightly but can easily be removed. It has the sign of the double dorjie...

This traditional old Tibetan carved woodblock was used to print the "vast luck" pattern on Buddhist prayer flags. There is a double dorje in the center where it is written "May the holder of this charm be given the gift of eternal life." The corners are carved with the 4 animals: the garuda, the peacock, the elephant, and the wind horse and the mantras to protect and increase life, health, wealth and good fortune...

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...

Animal horns carved and shaped this way were used by herders and farmers to give a sick animal liquid medicine. This yak horn was bought in China but was probably made used the Tibetans. Judging from its size, this horn is from a mature (older) Yak...The tip is carved into a delicate animal head ...there are a few surface growth stress cracks on the under side which would be common for a large older animal...

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...

This style of metal trumpet was used for centuries throughout Tibet. This one is 22 inches long, is decorated with enamel rings on the shaft and mouthpiece. Added decorative elements are provided by the reposse work on the metal fittings...

Probably used once and then packed away for another generation, this vintage silk traditional sari from Varanasi is a vibrant as the day it was loomed. A small leaf pattern of gold metallic thread dots the entire length of the deep green silk field. There is a 2 inch brocaded border on each side which also runs the length of the sari. The end panel is ornately patterned brocaded silk and makes extensive use of gold metallic threads...

This Tibetan pipe was made and used for smoking hand rolled tobacco cigarettes only. The body of the pipe is antelope horn and according to the Tibetans, they stopped killing the antelope many years ago...

Stunning old Tibetan necklace...the Gau is over 3.75 inches long. The entire necklace is 27 inches long. Large red coral beads with silver separators the necklace is held together with silver wire...

This antique Tibetan neckace bronze pendent has a cast bronze pendent with coral and turquoise beads. The pendent is suspended from a hand made chain...

The shape of this antique pendant is a Dharmachakra or "wheel with 8 spokes", which is one of the eight auspicious symbols of Tibetan Buddhism. Eight oval shaped turquoise surround a ninth turquoise stone, with each stone set in a silver bezel on a silver backing. When mined, turquoise is a soft stone, and all old stones were set into a bezel for protection...

This small Mongolian hunters flint strike pouch still has flint stone inside. Also know as strike-a-light in American Indian cultures, this hunters folk art implement has bronze tooled fittings. Well aged and in excellent condition...measures 4 inches across the widest part of the striker plate...

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. ...

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. ...

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. Be...