Antique Indian Amulet, Silver Hanuman Pendant, Rajasthan, 17.2 Grams

This is a beautiful old high grade silver,  die-stamped amulet pendant from Rajasthan, northern India of Hanuman, the celebrated celestial monkey chief, and an ardent devotee of Rama, a central character in the Indian epic Ramayana. Hanuman is an incarnation of the divine, whose fate it is to aide the hero Rama in the struggle against the demon king Ravana. His exploits are much celebrated in a variety of religious and cultural traditions, particularly in Hinduism. 

Hanuman is depicted within an yoni, or leaf of the sacred pipal tree flying through the air to bring the healing Himalayan herbs to cure the wounded on the Sri Lanka battlefield, as related in the Ramayana. Hanuman, the Monkey god, is the most popular form of Talisman for Luck, Health, and Good Fortune amongst the Hindus.It has two decorative bales with floral units added and a final at the base. The the bales and final have extenstions up the back of the amulet for extra strength.

You can see the shape of the leaves that Hanuman is holding in one hand and his bow and arrow in the other. Sometimes on older pieces like this amulet, parts of the body are put together from leaves, as shown in the legs with the shape of leaves.

The amulet has been strung on a new black Indian traditional handmade cotton thread cord.  It has a looped end for closing.

The amulet has been silver tested for high grade silver. This is an original old worn collection piece.  I have cleaned the amulet slightly to highlight the beautiful details of the workmanship - but will polish up beautifully.  

Height: 6.5cm (2 1/2") including Bale
Width: 4.2 cm (1 5/8")
Bale: 7m (1/4")
Weight: 17.2 grams (0.605)
Black Indian Cotton Cord: 42 cm (16”)