Description
Rare and highly unusual Oroqen Bonfire Festival commemorative medallion from the Oroqen Autonomous Banner of Inner Mongolia, China, complete with its original fitted red presentation case.
The front of the substantial gold-tone medallion depicts traditionally dressed Oroqen figures dancing around a bonfire and is prominently marked 鄂伦春 / OROQEN. The original case is gold-stamped:
鄂伦春自治旗 “篝火节” 纪念
6·18
Translated, this identifies the piece as an Oroqen Autonomous Banner “Bonfire Festival” Commemorative, with 6·18 representing June 18, the traditional date of the festival.
The Oroqen Bonfire Festival has considerable cultural significance. In 1991, the Oroqen Autonomous Banner government formally designated June 18 as the annual Bonfire Festival, building upon traditional Oroqen reverence for fire and customs involving ceremonial bonfires, singing, dancing and community celebrations. The Oroqen Bonfire Festival was subsequently recognized as an Inner Mongolia autonomous-region-level intangible cultural heritage tradition.
Especially desirable features include:
* Original Oroqen Bonfire Festival commemorative medallion
* Original fitted red presentation case specifically inscribed for the festival
* Marked 鄂伦春 / OROQEN directly on the medallion
* Detailed bonfire celebration scene with traditional Oroqen figures
* Approximately 2.1 inches in diameter
* Substantial 45.5 gram weight
* Non-magnetic metal construction
* Plain reverse
* Direct association with the Oroqen Autonomous Banner of Inner Mongolia
* An unusually scarce piece of Chinese ethnic-minority and cultural commemorative material
Extensive searches using both the English and Chinese identification have not located another example of this exact Oroqen Bonfire Festival medallion, making it an especially difficult piece to find in the accessible secondary market.
The medallion retains an attractive bright gold-tone presentation with age-related surface marks, localized discoloration/oxidation and wear. The reverse shows expected surface wear and patina. The original fitted presentation case remains attractive and displays age-related storage and handling wear consistent with use.
An excellent addition to a collection of Chinese medals, Inner Mongolia material, Oroqen cultural artifacts, ethnic-minority commemoratives, world exonumia or Asian historical memorabilia.
Please view all the photos carefully for the medallion’s design, condition, size and original presentation case.
