Copper alloy charm box (ga'u) or portable shrine containing a gilded cast metal Buddhist figure, behind glass. The exterior front panel of the box, possibly made from silver, is decorated with the eight auspicious Buddhist symbols in semi-relief.
Large g’au such as this example could have been worn whilst travelling. Travelling was a time when people were particularly vulnerable and often several g’au were carried to provide extra protection. When travelling this g’au would probably have been worn on a sash, slung from shoulder to waist. However it’s flat bottom also allows for it to be placed on a shelf as part of a shrine.
