Dril-bu bell

Tibet, 19th–early 20th century

Bronze.

H: 11.3 cm

O 1313

Gift of Vladimír Piskáček, 1999.

The dril-bu bell symbolises steadfast watchfulness. In Tantric ceremonies it is used as a basic musical instrument. Together with a vajra (representing compassion, a male principle), it is the main attribute of Lamaistic (Vajrayana) deities. The bell represents wisdom, a female principle.