Thailand

The majority of the tiger bells is of the B type. In the Chang Mai region tiger bells of the A type are found, varying in size from 2 to 4 c.m. as well as smaller size type B bells.

Common
Group: unknown

In handicraft-, home industry- and antique shops, very many large type B tiger bells are for sale. In one shop I came across a basket full of these bells that had been painted gold. The shop owners did not know anything about the origin, buying the bells in bulk from traders 'from the north'. When I asked about their use, people pointed at two large bells (diameter about 10 c.m.) with tiger heads, used as door knobs (1985).
Reported and donated by among others Hendrik Wittenberg, Arie Jurling.

Gold painted tiger bell, type B

Region unknown
Group: unknown
One tiger bell, probably type A , on a photograph (title of the publication unknown) of the facade of a house with four or five large phalluses made of wood, probably during a festival. The phalluses are decorated with garlands of flowers.

On the festival and the wooden phalluses, M. Fisher comments (January '96):

Could these phalluses possibly be from a 'boon bon fei' festival, or a rocket festival? These are held in the beginning of the rainy season, in hopes of ensuring good rains and therefore good rice crops. The festival is mostly an Isan cultural thing that was carried there from Laos. The particular one I was at occured about 10-20 miles from Mahasarakham.

Region: Chang Mai
Group: Karen

Two tiger bells type A, one roughly made, used as animal bells. The roughly made bell was said to come from Burma (Author's collection, collected in 1986).

Group: Akha

One smaller type B tiger bell, tied to a belt, probably used for a dog. The belt was said to come from Burma (Author's collection, collected in 1986).

Both A and B type bells were used as animal bells. The idea that human beings would wear these bells was unthinkable. Smaller type B bells from the Akha were sold in pairs.

Group: Unknown

Tiger bell, size and shape of a B type bell, but the design is diferent. The tiger face is there but the decorations seem to be engraved instead of in high relief. No details were availale. Compare this bell with some bells from Nepal on a shaman's chain.

Bought in a ethnic and curio shop in Chang Mai, in 2000.

A quote from 'Peoples of the Golden Triangle' (1984) in the chapter on domestic animals:

'Ponies, especially prized by groups with strong Chinese ties, are very useful for diffucilt mountain trails. Chinese style bells and harnesses are used...'

Tiger bells in South East Asia

Thailand