This finely, engraved tube-like container is a ‘tangkal’. Tangkal is the Malay word amulet. It is devised to protect the wearer from evil forces and malicious spirits. Many take the form of jewellery with finer examples probably intended for ceremonial wear. Amulets often take auspicious shapes drawn from either Daoism or Buddhism. Priests from both sects made paper amulets known as ‘hoo’, that were folded up and inserted into special amulet boxes such as this example to be worn around the neck.
