Rare Antique Shaman Protective Bell Chain – Complete with Magical Symbols

Shaman Bell Chains are worn across the chest for protection and to call in the spirit world when in a trance.  They are essential shamanic tools, and every shaman has a chain that they wear and use throughout their lifetime.  This one dates from the 1800s and comes from the far west of Nepal.

They typically comprise a number of bells strung at intervals along a closed iron chain. They are quite hard to come by and most are damaged and incomplete by the time they reach the antique shops of Kathmandu.   It is extremely rare to find one complete and in such a nice condition as this.

This antique Himalayan Bell Chain would measure 1 metre if open, and features 20 bronze bells, all but one being round.  The round bells bear a variety of slits which I am told relate to gender – one slit for a male, 2 (X) for female, and 3 (Y) for a child. I don’t know how true this is.

This particular Bell Chain is all the more special for its 8 magical symbols strung between the bells…Sun, Moon, Star, and Sickle, etc.

One of the finest examples of an antique Bell Chain I have come across in many years!