Tibetan Thogchag armour Thokcha ethnographic antique amulet pendant (64)

Description: A fine example of a Tibetan armour plate Thokcha displaying twelve raised beads. Bronze/copper alloy 15th Century or earlier. Has all the characteristics of a ‘Namchak’ Thokcha from a very good collection.

Provenance: Seward Kennedy (1925 - 2015). Bought at one of the auction disposals of this remarkable man’s collections. He amassed a huge eclectic array of objects over 60 years and he regarded himself as a custodian rather than collector. He travelled widely as a successful lawyer, had great discernment and bought what he liked to fill his properties in New York, Paris and London. 

Thogchags or Thokcha (Wylie: Thog lcags) are worn as amulets by Tibetans and people of the Himalayan regions for protection and healing. They can be seen in many different forms. Genuine pieces are believed to be  made from any combination of meteorite, iron, bronze, copper and sometimes other metals. Some pre-Buddhist pieces may be as much as 3000 years old and originate from Persia or Central Asia. The rarest and most sought after thokcha are said to be made from meteoric metal known as 'Namchak', which literally means 'sky iron' or 'sky metal'. Very old pieces can have a distinct patina and can be worn smooth from centuries of handling and being worn on the body. They have a unique feel that is impossible to replicate.

Dimensions: 69mms x 67mms x 9mms
Weight: 93.7gms

Condition: Beautifully smooth with wonderful patina. This is a beautiful antiquity.