The ga'u combines in itself form and function. It can be of copper (zans), brass (ra-gan), or bronze (kar-ba), and combinations of these. Most generally they are made of silver (nga), which is used for the visible front, and the back half is usually copper, brass, or sheet iron (cha). Here the front portion is of silver and the back of copper.
The ga'u in addition to being a functional object is also a decorative one, often of considerable artistic merit. Here the flat surface of the ga'u has its surface ornamented with wire work, stamped units, and turquoise, coral, and lapis-lazuli stones. The main space is filled with gold filigree wire work (cha-ku le-ka) in scrolling and tendril patterns that symbolize nature's life energy essence.
Of Related Interest:
Women and Jewelry: The Spiritual Dimensions of Ornamentation (Article)
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