Antique South Indian Armlet, Bracelet, Toda Tribe, Tamil Nadu, Solid Silver, 129.3 Grams

SIMILAR EXAMPLE - ARMLET

This is an early 20th century, high grade solid silver, rigid, armlet or bracelet from Toda Tribe, Tamil Nadu, South India, with a traditional stylized diamond shape geometric central piece, with five representations of the "Sun".  

I have used the description below as it has been described by a similar anklet in the Quai Branly Museum - Paris.

Description
Bracelet made of circles rings - welded obliquely lying one on the other.
Outside: 2 large circles, placed one beside the other in reverse.
Interior:  Consolidation by two thin circles of twisted wire (for a double rope) also reversed direction.
Outside, ornamental pattern laid flat on the two circles.

It has a lovely soft silver patina that high silver content jewellery achieves after decades of wear.

It can be worn halfway up the forearm and stays in place (as detailed in the last listing photo) and is quite comfortable to wear in that position.

The bracelet has been shaped to fit the arm being worn as an armlet - which it was originally used for.  The small opening allows for this armlet to be moved in place.

The original screw pin was with the bracelet when I acquired it but was really worn out and did not secure properly.

 I have tried to find a replacement - even from Indian Jewellery Merchants - but because the style was very old they could not assist me.    I have replaced the screw pin with another very sturdy Indian screw pin and it sits in place and will not fall out when closed because of the tension from the bracelet closing.

Outside diameter:  9 cm (3 1/2")
Inside diameter:  7 cm (2 3/4")
Inner Circumference:  21.5cm (8 1/2")
Height of the bracelet:  1.2 cm (1/2)
Weight:  129.4 Grams (4.560 oz)
Tested for high grade silver 92.5% plus.