Khmer Empire, Cambodia Bronze Khmer Bronze Elephant Bell - 11 cm

A rare Khmer bronze elephant bell dating to the Angkor period, circa 12th–13th century.

The compact bell has a rounded, almost globular lower body, narrowing towards a deeply concave upper section. Its architectural form is emphasised by several strongly projecting horizontal ribs or disc-shaped rings encircling the body.

These pronounced projecting rings are characteristic of comparable Khmer elephant bells. In addition to their decorative effect, such projecting ribs served a practical purpose: they helped keep the sounding body of the bell away from the animal’s body, reducing the damping of the sound when the bell was worn.

The upper section terminates in a substantial ring-shaped suspension loop, supported by a strong vertical stem. This allowed the bell to be securely attached to the elephant’s harness or equipment.

Sound Openings and Construction

The rounded lower body is pierced by several characteristic sound openings.

The lateral openings have enlarged rounded upper sections extending downwards into narrow vertical slots.

The underside is also extensively pierced, with large radially arranged openings creating an approximately cruciform or flower-shaped pattern.

This open construction allowed the internal sounding element to move freely while facilitating the projection of the bell’s sound.

Function

Bronze bells of this type are associated with elephants in the Khmer Empire and were attached to the animal’s harness, neck equipment or saddle fittings, sounding as the elephant moved.

Elephants occupied an important position in Khmer society and were used in royal and ceremonial contexts, transport, processions and warfare.

The present example, measuring approximately 11 cm, is smaller than some surviving monumental examples but falls comfortably within the known size range of this object type.

Published comparisons include Khmer elephant bells measuring approximately 6.7 cm, 17.7 cm and 19 cm, demonstrating considerable variation in size.

Surface and Patina

The bronze displays a substantial naturally aged dark green, olive-green to brown-black patina.

Areas of green copper corrosion products and mineral encrustation are distributed across the surface.

The raised edges and projecting horizontal ribs show age-related wear, while variations in the patina and surface deposits give the object a strongly archaeological appearance.

Comparable Examples

A particularly close comparison was sold by Galerie Zacke as a Bronze Elephant Bell, Khmer Empire, Angkor Period, dated to the 12th–13th century.

That example measured 17.7 cm in height and similarly featured strongly projecting horizontal ribs, a large upper suspension loop and a pierced lower section. It sold for €1,950 including buyer’s premium.

Another rare Khmer bronze elephant bell offered by Galerie Zacke, dated to the 12th century and measuring approximately 19 cm, sold in 2024 for €3,120 including buyer’s premium.

These references are provided solely for typological, chronological and comparative purposes. They are not the object offered here.

Condition

Good condition considering its considerable age.

The bronze surface displays extensive age-related patination, corrosion, mineral deposits, surface wear and minor irregularities.

The lateral sound openings and slots show some age-related widening and minor material losses.

The pierced lower section remains preserved.

The substantial upper suspension loop is fully preserved.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description.

Provenance

Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany.

Acquired during the collectors’ extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection is documented in Germany by 1970 through historical photographs of the family residence and subsequently remained in continuous family ownership.

The objects were acquired privately during the collectors’ travels. As was customary for private purchases made at local markets during the 1950s and 1960s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested.

Historical photographs and biographical documentation relating to the Dammann Collection are available and support the long-standing provenance of the collection.