Gau boxes are ancient religious objects with deep cultural and spiritual significance in Tibet. Worn on a chain around the neck and hung close to the heart, they are believed to ward off negative energy and attract blessings. They open up to a concealed inner space, containing a picture of a deity, a scroll of mantras or sacred relics, blessed by a lama. Large square gau box incrusted with turquoiseritual implements, amulets

Parrying shields have long been used within Aboriginal communities not only for protection, but as a symbolic implement used in rituals. Aboriginal men using very basic tools made them. They were designed to be mainly used in battle but were also used in ceremonies. Many shields have traditional designs or fluting on them whilst others are just smooth. The necessary tools and equipment for hunting, fishing and warfare were one of the very few items that Aboriginals carried with them from place to place. Most were used for a multiplicity of purposes. Because many were made from raw natural materials, such as wood, generally only partial remains are found today. This is a good example of a wooden Indigenous artefact from Eastern Australia.An Aboriginal shield of roughly carved wood. Has a square shaped hollowed out hand grip.