ANTIQUE CHUCKMUCK (FLINT POUCH) - TIBET – FIRST HALF 20^th C.

This chuckmuck (Tibetan: mechag) serving to produce fire, originates from the Changpa (or Champa) people of Tibet.

The pouch was used to make a fire, which was an immense achievement because of the low oxygen content on the Tibetan highplateau to ignite the fire. The chuckmuck contains usually a piece of flint (here still present in the pouch) and a little tinder (dried mushroom or pulped woody material such as plant roots). Striking the iron curved striker hardly against the flint creates sparks that smolder and ignite the tinder.

This chuckmuck is constructed from a stiff leather purse with a thick curved steel striker attached by rivets to its base. The sides of the leather front flap are decorated with three finely worked metal plaques, displaying floral and scrolling foliate designs in relief. The middle of the front flap has two turquoise (or glass) cabachons and between them a large red glass cabochon within a brass box setting, depicting scrolling leaf patterns. The front flap is secured underneath with a small catch which holds the purse closed. The back side is adorned with five metal studs and with two lateral metal plaques, showing scrolling foliate designs. The top of the purse has a brass mount with a fixed ring (in which a loose ring is) to allow the pouch to be hung. The chuckmuck is hung from the belt in both Mongolian and Tibetan traditional dress for men and women with a chuckmuck strap: a chain, leather thong or embroidered cloth (no more present).

Age: first half 20^th C.

Size: 15.5 cm long, about 8 cm tall (without the loose ring).

Weight: 156 gr.

Condition: This chuckmuck is in good condition taking into account its high age except the red glass bead is damaged. Light age-related signs of wear. Look carefully to the pictures which are an integral part of the description. Consequently any damage or repair to the object not mentioned in the text, but visible in the photos, are considered to be described.

The description and explanation of the item have been made in good faith and to the best of my knowledge. The dimensions are measured manually and are therefore approximate. This is a private sale as I am not a professional seller; I am a collector who liquidates his collection. Therefore, I do not accept returns unless in very exceptional cases. In any case, the return costs are to be paid by the buyer. I hope you will understand this. Please don’t hesitate to request before purchasing all information you need. Your satisfaction and positive feedback is very important to me. If you have any problems with the item or services, please feel free to contact me first before you leave negative feedback. I will do my best to solve any problems.

By purchasing this item, the buyers expressly declare that they are fully aware of the regulations and laws of their own country regarding the import of the purchased goods and that the seller cannot be held responsible for any costs or for any problems that may arise in their own country such as for example, the payment of taxes and duties, or the seizure or even the destruction by the customs or other authorities.