Antique Mechag | Tibet

Antique Tibetan fire striker (Mechag) in yak leather, decorated with decorative iron elements.
On the front there are three repoussé-decorated iron elements depicting dragons.
The two cords at the top are secured by an antique rectangular bone element.

This fire striker is made of very rigid leather, designed to hold the flint, which is then used to light a fire by striking it along the curved blade at the bottom.

Fire strikers, known as Chuk Muk or Mechag, are traditionally hung from the belt through a ring placed at the top, which serves as a loop.
Chuk Muk are widespread in both Nepal and Tibet and represent a category of ornamental jewellery that also has a practical function, namely lighting a fire.

This fire striker is antique and not a recent reproduction.

Provenance: Tibet.
Period: Early 20th century

Dimensions: 3.54 × 2.36 in (9 × 6 cm).

Weight: 3.62 oz (102.6 g).