Dorjema Ga'u with Gold Filigree Work

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In Central and Western Tibet there is a marked preference for the square gau with projecting points on all four sides. This is the Dorjema Ga'u shown here. Because it functions as a container to hold and protect various charms placed within, it consists of two basic parts that fit together, so that access to its inner space is possible. At the top is provided is provided a single tube, through which is passed the string in which the ga'u is suspended as a central pendant. At the bottom of the ga'u can be found a double-ended, facet-pointed appending form that symbolizes the diamond thunderbolt (dorje).

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.

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Women and Jewelry: The Spiritual Dimensions of Ornamentation (Article)