Tibetan Khampa Mechak Fire Striker
A Tibetan Khampa mechak, or fire striker, in the 18th to 19th century tradition, combining a steel striking edge with a worked metal and leather body once carried daily to make fire on the road.
Before matches reached the plateau, every traveller carried a mechak: a fire striker whose hardened steel edge threw sparks into tinder. Associated especially with the Khampa people of eastern Tibe...
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Full Description
Before matches reached the plateau, every traveller carried a mechak: a fire striker whose hardened steel edge threw sparks into tinder. Associated especially with the Khampa people of eastern Tibet, these were both essential tools and objects of pride, often richly mounted.
This example, in the 18th to 19th century manner, unites rugged function with decorative metalwork. A compelling artefact of Tibetan nomadic life.
