Tiger bells in West Asia

Turkey

Group: unknown
One type A tiger bell

In the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey, Annemarie and Henk Orsel bought three tiger bells of different sizes. The bells are of the type A and similar to the tiger bells as seen among groups in Indonesia and other East Asian countries. The bells were in a large tray, together with other amulets such as Hands-of-Fatima and Evil-Eye amulets. The shop owner did not know any details. The bells were fairly cheap, about 10 lira (appr. € 5,-).

It is very well possible that the presence of these bells is purely coincidental and has nothing to do with migration movements or religion. However, the fact that several ethnic groups in Turkey have their roots in North East Asia, and that they practiced a form of shamanism in pre-islamic times should make us cautious. I will try to find out if there is a possibility that tiger bells actually were present with one or more ethnic groups in Turkey.

Type A tiger bell, bought in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey

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Two type A tiger bells, bought in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey

The same bells viewed from below showing the flattened shape

The same bells showing the top half of the 'forehead'

The same bells, showing the side that is more worn out

The same bells showing the side that is less worn out

Dimensions of these bells:

The left bell: diameter front: 3,4 cm.; diameter side: 2,7 cm.
The right bell: diameter: 3,1 cm.; diameter side: 2,3 cm.

Reported in 2008, and the first bell donated to the author, by Annemarie and Henk Orsel, Eindhoven

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