Handmade in the Himalayas, traditionally, these small metal lockets or ‘boxes’ are worn as jewelry by Tibetan pilgrims and contain prayers, yantras, mantras, Tibetan medicine, or small sacred items related to one’s teacher. It is regarded as a powerful protective amulet. Some include a tiny image of the Buddhas, or one’s teacher, since some gaus have a small window. The locket is strung around one’s neck by a cord. It can also be kept at home securely on one’s shrine.
Made with filigreed sterling silver or copper, and set with beautiful coral and turquoise. This gau measures 5 cm in height.
