Ancient Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Dong Son culture, ca. late 1st millennium BCE. An attractive trio of bronze bells, each boasting a spherical form, a lengthy bottom slit, and a top suspension loop. The first is adorned with the head of a bull with large horns, bulging eyes, and a round snout, flanked by a pair of vertical suspension loops, each comprised of 5 bands. Alternatively, the other 2 instruments feature several bands wound horizontally around the top and in arched designs at the bottom. Each band is embellished by petite striations causing them to resemble ropes. The bull-form and 1 banded bell both contain petite bronze balls that serve as clappers. Size of largest: 2" W x 2.2" H (5.1 cm x 5.6 cm); 7.4" H (18.8 cm) on included custom stand.The Dong Son (or Dongson) culture of north Vietnam long remained a mystery to western archaeologists, and it was known only through its bronze objects, many of which were taken from graves. Dong Son bronze objects were exhibited in Europe for over 100 years before their original location was even determined, and arguments over how to date the culture continue to this day. These bells with no clapper continue to be mysterious objects, but artwork on bronze drums from the same period and culture suggest that the Dong Son were a musical culture. Provenance: private Lumberton, Texas, USA collection, acquired before 2010 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #170266