Pair of Takrai (scissors)

This pair of steel scissors is decorated with overlaid silver floral scroll ornamentation. The finial of the scissors is depicted with a silver pagoda-like structure. This particular type of scissors, called takrai, were used during the coming of age kon-chuk (โกนจุก) ceremony for boys or girls between the ages of seven and thirteen years of age in Thailand. On the day of their coming of age ceremony, the child would be dressed in new clothes. During the ceremony, the 'takrai' scissors were used to cut a portion of their hair from their top-knot usually firsthand by a Buddhist monk, followed by their parents and lastly other respected elders. After the ceremonial hair-cutting, the child would be bathed with holy water poured on top of them. The portion of their cut hair would then be placed onto a floating lotus leaf while the elders and monks prayed for the child. Prior to the kon-chuk ceremony, the parents would prepare an alter table filled with auspicious items including holy water, thread, a conch shell, food and a pair of scissors.

Stock no.: A4989