Pair of old Makara anklets from Gujarat, India

Matching pair of old silver tribal anklets, from Gujarat, India. They are hollow two-part anklets worn by Maldhari women and others.

A masterpiece of repoussage and chasing, the design represents two addorsed, highly stylized makara heads. According to Untracht (1997) these immense, heavy anklets caused discomfort and even limb injury, so women tie rags around their legs to protect the skin.

There’s a similar pair at the Victoria and Albert Museum (London). They describe these anklets as ceremonial and state that these enormously heavy anklets may never have been intended for wear.

From the 1st half of the XXth century or older.

Dimensions:

Size (each):13 x 13 x 10 cm

The Inner perimeter is 19 cm – 7,48 in. The Inner diameter is 6 cm – 2,36 in.

They both together weigh 970 gr.

References:

“Bracelets ethniques d’afrique, d’Asie d’Océanie et d’Amérique”, van Cutsem,  Anne, Skira, 2002
“Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 1997
“Indian Jewellery”, Barnard, Nick, V&A publishing, timeless books, Delhi, 2008

IND1020

Price: 3.600,00€