Long Elaborate Ceremonial Cheek Spear

• Location- Phuket, Thailand 

• Estimated Age- New 

• An elaborate ceremonial cheek spear from the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, in southern Thailand.

• Measuring approximately 25 inches in length, this striking ritual piece features vibrant red fabric adorned with intricate gold embroidery, colorful cloud motifs, and red and white feathered accents. The central gold Chinese character appears to be 月 (yuè), meaning “moon” or “month,” surrounded by decorative imagery.

• During the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, spirit mediums known as mah song participate in elaborate processions and acts of ritual piercing. These ceremonies are deeply rooted in the Chinese-Thai Taoist religious traditions of Phuket, with participants believed to serve as vessels for divine spirits.

• This piece was acquired directly from the festival in Phuket.

• This piece is about 25" long and measures about 8g (3mm) at the widest point of the spear.  This does not come with a stand.