Ritual Objects

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Mankind has utilized ritual objects since the beginning of time to symbolically influence physical events. In the Himalayan region Hindu and Vajrayana Buddhist liturgy use a wide array of accessories in their esoteric rituals. Shamanistic village spirit mediums also have a stock kit of necessary tools for connecting with the local mountain spirits. Many ritual objects also function as talisman or amulets invested with power to bestow good fortune and protect from negative phenomena when needed.

This animistic undercurrent in more orthodox religions is a fascinating subject.

Below are just a few esoteric ritual tools from the Himalayan region that exhibit this theme.


		Melong Tibetan Oracles used ritual mirrors called melong for divination. In shamanic rapture they could gaze into the polished bronze melong and foretell future events.

Digpa Ratsa Scorpion (digpa ratsa) amulets provided protection from hail storms and natural calamity in rural Tibet. Village houses were often decorated with painted scorpions on the outside for protection.
	Dunkar Conch shells (turbinella pyrum) were traded throughout the Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan plateau where they are used as ritual trumpets. In India and Nepal they are a Hindu ritual tool associated with Vishnu called Sanka. In Tibet they are called Dunkar, one of the ubiquitous Tashi Tah Gay or eight auspicious symbols from Tibetan Buddhism.

Khyung Bird Pre Buddhist nature spirits were conquered and became defenders of the Buddhist faith.		Thogchag - amulets from the sky? Tibetans wore small bronze objects called Thogcha as amulets for protection and good fortune. Thogcha means 'sky-iron' and refers to the popular belief that they fall from the sky much like meteorites but fully formed into amulets of ritual significance. Early contact with Central Asia, India, Mongolia and China influenced designs. Buddhist deities are popular themes but some types predate Buddhism in Tibet. Bronze age arrow points, parts of horse trappings, armor and bronze buckles are also considered variations of thogcha.
Vajra or Dorge		Dharmapala protectors and ritual objects were popular subjects for thogcha.

Zanpar
Carvings of myriad ritual implements, animals, deities and demons are skillfully rendered in miniature.

Intricately carved images of esoteric ritual objects, demonic spirits and Buddhist protectors were carved into wooden sticks called Zanpar (zan-spar). Tsampa (barley meal and yak butter dough) was pressed into the appropriate images to produce ritual sacrificial offerings (T. glud) for good fortune and protection from malevolent spirits that often create disorder.