Letters and Numbers Appearing on Special Containers
Going back to our original list of the elements used for containers of special objects, we noted the use of letters and numbers.
Let's take a look at our ever growing list of containers for special objects to see if this holds true-
- The Gau used in central Asia (Tibet, Mongolia, Bhutan, etc..) is a small but ornate case for carrying prayer text, diagrams.
Buddhist symbols and Sanskrit lettering.
- A particular type of bowl to hold nuts for divination is used by the Yoruba people of Nigeria.
I do not see any thing that looks like the Yoruba Alphabet on the images. However, the written Yoruba language was not developed until the 19th century.
Like other cultures that did not have written word until recently, the designs used for containers for important objects may not include letters and words
- Salt cellars in Europe were used to keep salt.
Not much writting on these...maybe they were too utilitarian?
- Cumdach or book shrines, were ornate covers for books created in medieval Ireland.
Hmmm... no letters on these either.
- Phylacteries are small boxes worn by some Jews on their heads. They contain a prayer.
Writing and symbols on exterior
- Stupas in Southeast Asia may often have a relic and other things within.
While the flags that decorate the stupa may have letters, I don't see much lettering on the structure itself.
More from our list of containers tomorrow....
10:38:32 PM 
|
|
