This silver amulet bears the names of Guanyin (观音) and Buddha (佛祖). One of its sides is stamped with an unclear shop mark. Such amulets, known as tangkal, could contain a paper charm, prayer or sacred inscription and were worn by mostly children for protection against evil spirits.This was found in the unclaimed grave with peg no. 3554AA at Bukit Brown Cemetery. Its owner’s biographical details are unknown.The practice of burying everyday objects and luxurious items with the deceased originated in ancient China, and continued to be observed by the Straits Chinese communities. They were meant for use by the deceased in the afterlife, and also served as statements of the family’s rank and status. More than 2,000 artefacts have been unearthed from Bukit Brown Cemetery, which include miniature clay and porcelain vessels, specifically produced for this purpose, and jade and silver jewellery that were probably personal belongings of the deceased or made or purchased for the purpose of burial.
