soei-bang-ool (Bell)
About this object
History of use
Parents attached bells to their children’s clothing because they believed the sound the bells made to be joyful and protective, in that the sound repelled devils. The sound also helped them to know where the child was. Sometime bells were attached to colourful tassel ornaments “no-ri-gae” that were then attached to children’s clothing. They also could be used as buttons or as decorations. Shamans also use bells on a special stick used in ceremonies, which also has feathers and other ornaments. Bells with a loud sound likely were used by shamans rather than by children. Such bells may have been given by a bell-maker as a bonus with a purchase.
Iconographic meaning
The sound of bells represents joy.
Physical description
Three identical cylindrical silver bells formed of two halves joined with a circular ridge, each with a slit that has circular openings at each end in the bottom half. Each bell is covered with repousse floral designs, and each is attached with a small loop to a ring of silver metal. The bells are strung on a piece of white twill tape.
Date Made
Late Chosun Dynasty (before 1939)
Date Acquired
Aug 1964
How Acquired
Donated
Credit Line
Measurements
Overall: 16 cm x 4.5 cm x 1.5 cm
Object Number
N3.40 b