Necklace with Gold Amulet Box (Gau) Tibet, 1930’s

Tibet Museum Photo Courtesy of Bowers Museum Festive occasions—like the New Year’s celebration—required formal jewelry. This necklace, made of gold, silver, turquoise and coral, was worn by a nobleman. It includes an amulet box, or gau, which held a Buddhist charm thought to protect the wearer. Detail: close up view

all images and text © Bowers Museum and Tibet Museum