indianamulets.com.au

Two Marwari Women, India, c. 1850’s attributed to Taurines

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Welcome to my SHOP with a selection of unique pieces devoted to the exhibition and online sales gallery of traditional ethnic jewellery specializing in Antique Indian Amulets, Indian and Himalayan Ornaments, Tibetan Gau Boxes, Islamic, Central Asian Prayer Boxes, Antique Sri Lanka Jewellery and other old Ethnic Ornaments.

EACH ITEM IN MY SHOP IS SELECTED BASED ON AUTHENTICITY and ARTISTIC VALUE

MYSHOP: indianamulets.com.au – Antique Indian Amulets, Ethnic Jewellery and Himalayan Ornaments gives full details about each item shown.
(All purchases from my shop are transacted through my ETSY Shop)

 ETSY – JASMINEIUM – Antique Indian Amulets, Ethnic Jewellery and Adornments
listing Antique Indian Amulets, Indian and Himalayan Ornaments, Tibetan Gau Boxes, Islamic, Central Asian Prayer Boxes, Antique Sri Lankan Jewellery and other old Ethnic Jewellery.

 

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NEW ARRIVALS

ANTIQUE LADAKH NECKLACE
 Coral, Turquoise and Silver Beads High Grade Silver, 48cm (19"), 153 Grams

Traditional Ladakhi Ladies in Ethnic Costumes

RARE: Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir State, India c. early 1900’s. The fashion in Ladakh and western Tibet for wearing multiple strands of necklaces traces back to the 14th century. This is a distinctively Ladakhi, Western Himalayas, type of necklace combining three strands of antique salmon coral beads on the top row and a single strand of coral beads on the bottom row.   All the heirloom coral beads show signs of extensive wear as coral beads are handed down from generation to generation.  The necklace comes from the Tibetan ethnic groups of the Zanskar valley in the Jammu and Kashmir Ladakh region of Northern India.
Price:  USD $995.00 – FREE SHIPPING
AVAILABLE:    Etsy - Ladakh Necklace 

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RARE - ANTIQUE TIBETAN PENDANT, TIBETAN BELT ORNAMENT
High Grade Silver, Gold Gilt, Genuine Turquoise Stone
 69 Grams (2.435 oz.), High Grade Silver Chain, 46cm (18" adjustable to 20")

Tibetan Woman of the Gaba Area, Eastern Tibet – with Traditional Belt Ornament – ‘Jewellery of Tibet and the Himalayas’ – John Clarke, Page 89

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This is a beautiful old (most probably late 19th or early 20th century) Tibetan belt ornament from eastern Tibet as a pendant and is known as a “lochab”.   It would have been a woman’s belt hanger decorated with tradition Tibetan motif for the jewel in repoussé, surrounding a central turquoise cabochon.  At the center top facing the bale is ornamented with the grotesque ‘monster mask’ of Kirtimukha (Glorious Face) of the Fierce Monster.  The Tibetan Kirtimukha is represented as a demon with horned face which does not have a lower jaw and Kirtimukha’s hands with frilly cuffs hold the crest-bar in his mouth. The gems or a frieze of jewelled strings descends from Kirtimukha’s upper jaw.
Price: USD $895.00 – FREE SHIPPING
AVAILABLE:    Etsy - Tibetan Pendant 

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                   ANTIQUE TIBETAN GAU BOX NECKLACE
      Pendant width: 4 1/2 Inches; Pendant height: 5 1/2 Inches
 Necklace length: 24 Inches 

Himalayan low grade silver oblong ga’u amulet box ornamented with filigree work, silver beading and brass applied chased units worn suspended from the top gadrooned tube.
The central field is covered in separately embossed or stamped filigree surrounding a stylized turquoise bezel “Open Lotus Flower”. The face of the box is further decorated with two red coral and turquoise stones. (Most likely none of these stones were the original stones in the Gau Box. The centre turquoise replacement stone has stringing holes in the ends and has signs of wear around these holes).
The lower decoration is a stylised dorje ornament which hangs at the bottom when worn and a loop at the bottom from which hangs a burgundy tassel.
The outer edge is decorated with individually stamped and applied petals of an open lotus and silver beaded wire.
It is very hard to find oblong ga’u amulet boxes today that have the tube and stylised dorje ornament. Most are hinged on each side for wearing. The ga’u was used as a container for handwritten or printed charms and relics, and herbs.
The backing plate is missing.
The front section, side sheet, dorje and tube of the Gau Box has been tested and are made from a low grade silver, 50% approx.
The Gau Box is strung with an array of beads measuring 61 cm (24″) long. These beads are part of a complete Himalayan style costume and is typical of many in its combination of real and imitation beads.
All beads show signs of wear.
All the Phenolic Resin Beads Beads on this necklace may look like natural Phenolic Resin Beads, but they are actually made of Phenol formaldehyde resin, one of the earliest commercial synthetic resins. This form of resin is tree plant based and was utilized by German bead makers to imitate Beads.
2 x Large Honey Old Phenolic Resin Rondelle Trade Beads. These beads have a milky, swirl mix of opaque and translucent Old Phenolic Resin Beads.
2 x Large Rust Old Phenolic Resin Beads Barrel Trade Beads.
4 x Small Egg Yoke Yellow Old Phenolic Resin Beads Trade Beads,
4 x Brilliant cranberry colour coral glass beads known as ‘Sherpa coral’, Sherpa Coral Rondelle Beads, produced in Nepal.
2 x Tibetan dZi Glass Beads – 2.8 cm.
2 x High Grade Silver Melon Beads
14 x Mixed Metal Alloy Silver Spacer Beads.
9 x Small turquoise chip spacer stones.
Gau Width: 12 cm (4 1/2″ )
Height: 13 cm (5 1/2″)
Bale: 12 mm (3/8″)
Beaded Necklace Length: 61 cm (24”)
Weight: 338 Grams (12 oz.)
Material: Gau Tested low grade silver 50 – 80% – with green silver tarnishing on front.
PRICE: USD $925.00 – FREE SHIPPING
AVAILABLE:  Etsy-Tibetan Gau Box 

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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET
 Bheru Bhairava Form of Shiva
 High Grade Silver, Rajasthan, 67 Grams (2.37oz.)
 30 inch (76cm) Adjustable Cord

This is a antique, high grade silver amulet pendant worn by the tribal people of Gujarat or Rajasthan in northern India. The amulet pendant is in the shape of a yoni or leaf of the sacred fig tree – the bottom pointing ovule, and die-stamped with two sturdy bales with finals and floral decorative units added. It has a silver border added and a decorative terminal point at the bottom.The subject of the amulet is in the two armed Bheru or Bhairava form of Shiva in his fearful aspect travelling with his dog. The deity is widely worshipped by Bhil tribals, one of the largest tribal communities in India. As there are 8 form of Bhairava – and I am not certain which one this is – but because Bhairava is wearing a crown of skulls, and he has a broad face with bulging eyes and closed mouth that it maybe the fierce Bhairava. Shiva, especially in his Bhairava form has a drum, trishula or (trident) sword, a daggar. and holding a severed head. The sun symbol of Surya, is above his right side of the head and the Chandra the moon on the other side.
Price: USD $595.00
AVAILABLE:   Etsy - Bheru Indian Amulet 

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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET
Ganesh and Pavarti
 High Grade Silver, 32.5Grams (1.15oz.)
 26 inch (66cm) Adjustable Cord

The amulet is an antique and beautifully die stamped amulet, with a rolled silver border added around the shape of a yoni or leaf of the sacred fig tree – the bottom pointing ovule, and with two sturdy bales. The scrolling floral inner border is a very old design used on amulets.  This is a well worn amulet – for its protective purpose – most probably originating from Rajasthan, northern India. The amulet looks dark in the listing photos as it still has residue of sindoor, also called vermilion, a brilliant scarlet powder used during Hindu religious and cultural ceremonies and ritual rubbing on amulets.  The subject of the amulet is the Hindu Gods Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of Wisdom, the four armed form with Axe, Rope, Blessings and Madaka (Rewards), and his mother Goddess Parvati the consort of Shiva. They are sitting on their thrones.  The sun symbol of Surya, is above Ganesh’s head and the Chandra the moon on the other side above Pavarti.
Price: USD $295.00
AVAILABLE:     Etsy - Ganesh Indian Amulet 

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ANTIQUE SOUTH INDIAN AMULET BOX
 Taweez, Taviz , Karnataka or Kerala 8.5cm (3 1/4"), 170 Grams
72cm (28 1/4"), 2mm Square Foxtail Chain

This beautiful amulet from the early 20th century is a large high grade silver round tubular amulet box container from South India and is 8.5 cm (3 1/4″) long.  The tube has three bands of repousse floral designs and fine chasing. The centre band is of stylized coconut tree leaves. The applied top section with seven decorative lotus bud bales.  The centre front is ornamented with what I interpret to be applied stylized fish. This is quite common in the iconography of South India. The back ornament is decorated with a row of silver beading.  The box unscrews at one end and has a copper cylinder for the insertion of magical protective objects and “mantras”. The box has decorative caps on each end.  It has an aged patina, although I believe recently cleaned, and rare to find. In the listing photo No. 8 on the scale – you will be able to see that there are are few small dents around the edge of the end of the amulet case.
Price: USD $1,150.00 – POST FREE
AVAILABLE:    Etsy - South Indian Pendant

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ANTIQUE INDIAN NECKLACE
BRITISH INDIA RUPEE, HALF RUPEE COINS MAN'S NECKLACE
"RUPAYA HAR or HULLAR"
26 Coins, High Grade Silver
89 cm (35") Chain, 516 Grams (18.20oz)

Traditional Jewelry of India, Oppi Untracht, Page 122

This is a heavy solid silver necklace featuring two large link chains with four sets of various quarter and half rupee coin dangles and a central medallion. A similar necklace is in “Traditional Jewelry of India” Oppi Untracht – Page 122. Detailed: Northern India, Silver Necklace (rupaya har or hullar) with British-Indian rupee and half-rupee coins with the images of Edward V11 and George as Emperors of India. Length 38 inches (97cm), weight 528 grams. *Collection Mis, Brussels.
Coins in Total: One Rupee x 3, Half Rupee x 15, Quarter Rupee x 7, One Shilling x 1, = Total 26 Coins.
Coins on Dangles:
The image of “Victoria Queen” and “Victoria Empress”, as Empress of India. The coinage changed from ‘Victoria Queen’ to ‘Victoria Empress’ in 1877.

Half Rupees: = 9, 1886 1881,1880, 1862, 1876, 1887, 1886, 1862, 1862
Quarter Rupee: = 7, 1862, 1889, 1888, 1862, 1879, 1888, 1888
One Shilling, Australia: = 1, 1910

Coins on the Medallion:
Half Rupee: = 6, 1884, 1862, 1881, 1862, 1876, 1878

Top Coin in Medallion – One Rupee – Shah Alam II
The centre of the medallion has two rupee coins soldered back to back – the front coin is a Shah Alam 11, and the back coin is the One Rupee coin dated 1874, Calcutta.
Fully Detailed on the Products Page:
Price: USD $1,795.00 – POST FREE
AVAILABLE:    Etsy - India Rupee Necklace 

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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET
Duo Goddess Devi - Hoi Mata
High Grade Silver, Rajasthan, 65 Grams

This is an early to mid 20th century silver round (mandala) shape amulet. The circular forms repel evil spirits who dare not enter them. This early to mid 20th century, high grade silver die-stamped amulet pendant is of a folk image of Goddess Devi or Hoi Mata inside the shape of a five-sided, peaked pentagon form, which symbolizes a temple (mandir). The amulet has been hand beaten (marks slightly visible) from a high grade silver sheet to a slight convex.  Hoi Mata is one of the many mother Goddess forms worshiped throughout India, presiding over the well being of the family. She is very often identified as a form of Shakti and is worshipped during Hoi Ashtami festival.
Price: USD $595.00
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Devi Indian Amulet

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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET
Goddess Durga
 High Grade Silver Beads, Rajasthan, 37 Grams

This is an antique silver amulet pendant worn chiefly in Rajasthan, India.  The amulet pendant is in the round form (mandala).  Circular forms repel evil spirits who dare not enter them. The amulet has been die-stamped with a large bale and decorative unit added.   It has an old style chased silver border pattern. The subject of the amulet is “Goddess Durga” whose vehicle is a lion, within the shape of a five-sided, peaked pentagon form, which symbolizes a temple (mandir).  Durga is also called Divine Mother, protects mankind from evil and misery, by destroying evil forces such as selfishness, jealousy, prejudice, hatred, anger, and ego.
Price:  USD $225.00
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Durga Indian Amulet 

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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET
Tree of Life, Peacocks
High Grade Silver,  Rajasthan, 35.55 Grams

This is a late 19th or early 20th century high grade silver amulet pendant, beautifully and very finely die-stamped with two bales and a separate silver backing plate, worn by the tribal people of Rajasthan, northern India. There is a decorative final at the base and floral units and a silver bar extension down the back for extra support.The amulet pendant is in the shape of the arrowhead form, representing the leaf of the sacred pipal tree. The image is of the Tree of Life in the centre (a symbol of fertility), flanked by two sets of peacocks guarding the Tree of Life. To the Muslims the motif represents everlasting life: to the Hindus the tree supports the Universe and preserves life.
Price:  USD $225.00
AVAILABLE:  Etsy -Tree of Life Amulet 

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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET
Silver Square House Amulet
High Grade Silver, Rajasthan, 63 Grams

This is a heavy at 63 grams for the antique high grade silver amulet pendant from Rajasthan, Northern India. A sacred and powerful charm, it is believed to offer the wearer protection.  The amulet is in the shape of a square, the form symbolic of a house plan, a symbol of family unity, represented by a walled-in rectangle. The amulet uses stamped floral units to cover joins. It has two decorative bales, a silver silver border added.  There are four set of clam shell dangles that jingle with movement.  The amulet has been strung on a new black Indian traditional handmade cotton thread cord with a sliding bead to adjust the length to of wear.
Price:  USD $295.00
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Square House Amulet 

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BHUTAN KOMA BROOCHES

RARE - BHUTAN KOMA BROOCH
PAIR BHUTANESE KOMA CLOAK FASTENERS
Bhutan Dragon, Silver Linking Chain, 185.23 Grams, 32 cm (13")

RARE: This pair is quite heavy at 185 Grams.

This pair of silver and mixed metal alloy (approx. 50% silver on the front and back of the pair of Koma Brooches) are Bhutanese dress or cloak fasteners known as Koma.  This pair of Bhutanese Koma Broochs have the “Symbol of Bhutan” featured on the fronts. The design contained in a circle is composed of a double diamond-thunderbolt (dorje) placed above a lotus, surmounted by a jewel and framed by two dragons. The thunderbolt represents the harmony between secular and religious power. The lotus symbolizes purity; the jewel expresses sovereign power; and the two dragons, male and female, stand for the name of the country which they proclaim with their great voice, the thunder.  The centre stones are now missing (most probably turquoise).  The four parallel mixed metal alloy fine silver mesh linking chains are attached to rectangular silver element at each end.
Price:  USD $1,050.00 – POST FREE
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Bhutan Koma Brooch 

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RARE - BHUTAN KOMA BROOCHS
PAIR BHUTANESE KOMA CLOAK FASTENERS
Bhutan Dragon, Silver Linking Chain, 136 Grams, 49.5cm (19 1/2")

 

RARE: This pair is really special.

This pair of silver (tested high grade silver on the front of the pair of Koma Brooches) are Bhutanese dress or cloak fasteners known as Koma. The Bhutanese Symbol Dragon – Druk the “Thunder Dragon” in Bhutanese and Tibetan mythology is represented on the Koma brooches. It is also the Bhutanese national symbol.  On close inspection you can see the dragon with its claw feet holding jewels (round balls) to represent wealth. The outer border has the cloud symbol and the inner circle has the etched wind symbol.  The centre stones are now missing (most probably turquoise) and are surrounded by stylized – ‘Meconopsis gakyidiana’ – a species of blue poppy native to Eastern Bhutan. It is the national flower of Bhutan.  The openwork design is super imposed on a circular backing plate and on this reverse is soldered a metal bar tapered to points which bend inwards to form a fastening device. (These are very sharp points!!). Also attached on the reverse of each Koma is a small ring for the addition of the chain or japtha. The backs of the koma brooches tested as mixed metal alloy.
Price:  USD $1,100.00 – POST FREE
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Bhutan Coma Brooch  

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VINTAGE NEPAL GAU BOX 
 Faux Turquoise, Faux Coral Glass Stones
Mixed Metal Chain, 63cm (25"), 46.4 Grams 

KATHMANDUE VALLEY, NEPAL

This Gau Amulet Box is shaped as a bodhi or pipal leaf. The Bodhi Tree, also called the Bodhi Fig Tree or Bo Tree, is a large sacred fig tree located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, Northern India. Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher who became known as the Buddha, is said to have attained enlightenment or Bodhi, circa 500 BCE under it.  The amulet box is designed to be worn from a chain around the neck.  This Nepalese Amulet Box is covered in faux turquoise and coral glass stones using the ‘jarao’ inlay technique, which combines the setting of stones in bezels with filigree wire decoration. This technique was popular amongst Newar metalworkers of the Kathmandu Valley during the 18th and 19th centuries. There is fine silver filigree work around the Treasure Vase.  The central design of the Gau Box Box, of high grade silver, is one of the 8 Auspicious Symbols from Buddhism – “THE TREASURE VASE”. The treasure vase symbolises an endless rain of long life, wealth and prosperity and all the benefits of this world and liberation. The flowing raised extensions from the vase represent the flowing sacred white scarf wrapped around the vase.
Price:  USD $425.00
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Nepal Gau Necklace 

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VINTAGE INDIAN NECKLACE
Silver Tree of Life Amulet, Silver Beads, Snake Chain
 43cm (17 inch), Northern India, 104.26 Grams (3.67oz.)

 

This is a beautifully made mid 20th century high grade silver box amulets pendant necklace of “The Tree of Life” – a symbol of fertility – from northern India. The amulet pendants are part of the necklace supported on a beautifully made silver snake chain with high grade silver beads.  The centre hollow box amulet pendant is in the shape of the arrowhead form, and often in India today the ancient arrowhead form is said to represent a pipal tree leaf associated with Hinduism and Buddhism, both of which developed at a much later date that when this form originated.  The four other hollow tiger-claw box amulets have an open Lotus flower.  To the Muslims the motif represents everlasting life: to the Hindus the tree supports the Universe and preserves life.
Price:  USD $805.00 – POST FREE
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - India Silver Necklace 

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VINTAGE INDIAN AMULET
Rabari, Dhebaria Necklace Pendant, prayer Box
 High Grade Silver, 55 Grams (1.94 oz.)

This is a vintage form of a beautifully ornate triangular Rabari Dhebaria Amulet Case, usually strung on a silver ‘Siyal’ necklace with multiple cases as detailed in the last listing photo.The container is designed to hold a sacred mantra or prayer in the hollow compartment and has been sealed shut or is for just decorative use.
Price:  USD $425.00
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Rabari Indian Amulet 

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VINTAGE INDIAN NECKLACE
Tharu Necklace, Uttar Pradesh or Nepal, Silver Wire Work, Hinged Back
 High Grade Silver, 210 Grams, Diameter 19cm (7 1/2")

This is a vintage high grade silver necklace either from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh on the Indo-Nepal border or from Nepal. The name of this uniquely Indo-Nepal form is called ‘Chamel’ in Lucknow and ‘Taunk’ in Nepal.  I have also detailed a photo of a Tharu girl from Nepal as this is also a traditional necklace worn by the Tharu Tribe in Southern Nepal and India.  The necklace has been beautifully made with very high standard of silversmithing and quite heavy with 210 grams of ‘high grade silver’. The necklace is fringed with wirework floral pendant dangles.  It has hinged back extensions with a ‘S’ clasp for closing attached at the ends of the crescent and move to put on the necklace. The original locking rings are still in place.
Price:  USD $895.00 – POST FREE
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Nepal Tharu Necklace 

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ANTIQUE TIBETAN GAU, HIMALAYAN GAU BOX
Antique Chinese Carved Turquoise Beads
High Grade Silver Chain, 82 cm (32 Inches), 87 Grams

This is a beautifully etched Himalayan Gau box and the oval domed box dating from the early to mid 20th century.  Although worn in all areas of Tibet, the oval-shaped silver Gau was particularly favoured by women in the southern border areas of Tibet, in Sikkim,Bhutan and Himachal Pradesh.  The front of the Gau is decorated with a central turquoise cabochon around a gilded decorated double Dorje. A double Dorje, or Vishvavajra, are two Dorjes connected to form a cross. A double Dorje represents the foundation of the physical world and is also associated with certain tantric deities.  The Himalayan Gau has high grade silver beads and two double Dorje silver beads. The high grade silver linked chain is quite long at 82cm (32 inches)  The antique carved Chinese turquoise beads are just beautiful.
Price:  USD $895.00 – POST FREE
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Himalayan Gau Box 

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ANTIQUE BRITISH INDIA RUPEE NECKLACE
Rupaya Har Necklace, 48cm (19") Chain, 107.86 Grams (3.70oz)

A COLLECTOR’S ITEM:

This is a heavy solid silver necklace featuring two large link chains with one central British India Rupee Coin dated 1912.  Northern India, Silver Necklace (rupaya har or hullar) with British-Indian rupee and six floral units with magenta colour glass stones.  The rupee from 1912 within a circle, and flower surrounds, and on the front side is a crowned bust of George V King Emperor (1910-1936). The coin was minted as high grade silver 91.7%. The British-Indian government used precious metal coinage until 1939 and struck under direct authority of the crown. The chain and the parts tested high grade silver also.
Price:  USD $850.00 – POST FREE
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - India Rupee Necklace 

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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET, UTTAR PRADESH, NANDI HORNS PENDANT
High Grade Silver, 60cm (24 in) Adjustable Cord, 57 Grams

 

RARE: It is becoming hard to find this kind of amulet today.

This is a mid 20th century representation of Nandi’s horns, Shiva’s mount in a Indian folk style chased amulet pendant from the Uttar Pradesh State, in Northern India. Uttar Pradesh is bordered by the state of Uttarakhand and the country of Nepal to the north, the state of Bihar to the east, the states of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh to the southeast, the state of Madhya Pradesh to the south, and the states of Rajasthan and Haryana and the national capital territory of Delhi to the west.  It has three sturdy bales with round units added and five sets of silver wire dangles.  It has an adjustable cord length secured with a sliding bead. The cotton cord is in new condition and has silver thread decoration.
Price:  USD $495.00
AVAILABLE:  Etsy- Uttar Pradesh Amulet 

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VINTAGE INDIAN AMULET NECKLACE, FLOWERING TREE OF LIFE
Old Rajasthani Amulet, High Grade Silver Beads, Amulet 58 Grams (2.0oz)

Young Rabari Girl and Women in Traditional Costume

This is a beautiful large vintage, mid 20th century or later, high grade silver amulet pendant of the flowering ‘Tree of Life’.  The silver die-stamped amulet (madaliya) is depicted within an arrowhead form, with five bales, glass stones and ghungrus (small bells).  The amulet pendant is in the shape of the arrowhead form, and often in India today the ancient arrowhead form is said to represent a pipal tree leaf associated with Hinduism and Buddhism, both of which developed at a much later date that when this form originated. The center red glass stone is in the shape of a stylized leaf.
Price:  USD $495.00
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Rajasthani Amulet 

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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET
SOUTH INDIA CACHE-SEXE PLATE, 30.2 Grams

Ethnic belts of Africa, Asia, Oceania and America, Page 146

This is a traditionally decorated early to mid 20th century high grade silver amulet plate known as a cache-sexe plate, pubic ornament-amulet, also known as the “Genital shield” for a young girl as a substitute for a loin cloth.  The Araimudi (araimuti) (Tamil: அரைமுடி, araimūḍi ) is a small silver metal plate shaped like a heart or a fig leaf formerly worn by young girls in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Indonesia. “Arai” means loin and “mudi” means cover.  The “Madras district gazetteers, Volume 1, Part 1″ said ‘Little girls, up to the age of about 3, wear nothing but the little heart-shaped piece of silver suspended by a waist-cord (arai- mudi) ” which calls attention to what it purports to conceal.”‘  The photo below from “Traditional Jewelry of India” – Oppi Untracht – Page 90. It has exactly the same design on this South India Cache-Sexe Plate.
Price:  USD $215.00
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - South India Amulet 

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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET NECKLACE
South India Cache-Sexe Plate
 Taviz, Cobalt Blue Glass Barrel Beads, 96 Grams, 80cm (32 ")

Picture From:  ‘Traditional Jewelry of India’, Oppi Untracht, Page 90
A Young Telegu Girl Wearing Silver Cache-sexe Plate

This is a traditionally decorated early to mid 20th century high grade silver amulet plate known as a cache-sexe plate, pubic ornament-amulet, also known as the “Genital shield” for a young girl as a substitute for a loin cloth. The yoni shape or leaf of the pipal tree amulet has the design of the half moon and flower, symbols of fertility and the life force.  The Araimudi (araimuti) (Tamil: அரைமுடி, araimūḍi ) is a small silver metal plate shaped like a heart or a fig leaf formerly worn by young girls in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Indonesia. “Arai” means loin and “mudi” means cover.   The amulet has been strung with 125 very old cobalt blue glass drum barrel beads. The two taviz would have been originally part of the silver cache-sexe ornament and detailed in the listing photo.
Price:  USD $295.00
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - South India Necklace 

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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET, BHAIRAVA FORM OF SHIVA
Extra Large, Height: 13.5 cm (5 1/4'), Width: 10.5 cm (4 ")
Weight: 68.6 Grams (2.420 oz.)

This is an “Extra Large” antique, high grade silver amulet pendant worn by the tribal people of Gujarat or Rajasthan in northern India. The amulet pendant is in the shape of a yoni or leaf of the sacred fig tree – the bottom pointing ovule, and die-stamped with two sturdy bales with finals and round decorative units added.  It has a silver border added and a decorative terminal point at the bottom.  The subject of the amulet is in the two armed Bheru or Bhairava form of Shiva in his fearful aspect travelling with his dog.  Lord Shiva, especially in his Bhairava form has a drum, trishula or (trident) sword, a daggar. The sun symbol of Surya, is above his right side of the head and the Chandra the moon on the other side.
Price:  USD $695.00
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Bhairava Shiva Amulet 

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ANTIQUE SHIVA LINGAM CONTAINERS
Portable Shrine Caskets

The Lingayats, a reformist Shaiva sect (also known as the Virashaivas), are thought to have been founded by the 12th century social reformer Basavanna. He rejected all the strictures of caste and ritual, emphasizing instead an egalitarian society based on devotion to Shiva. His ideas are propounded in ‘vacanas’ or short verses written, not in Sanskrit, but in the local vernacular, Kannada. The Lingayats acknowledge no human icon of Shiva, but instead always carry with them a small linga in an amulet box which is hung around the neck. Quote from : Blurton 1992.

South India, Portable Shiva Lingam Shrine, c. 1850’s

Reference: Ayigalu Pendant, south India, C. 1850. A portable shrine, the carved rock crystal case encrusted with rubies and emeralds houses a Shiva lingam. A rock crystal bull (Nandi sits on top of the hinged lid. Dance of the Peacock, Jewellery Traditions of India, Page 197

19th CENTURY SHIVA LINGAM CASKET (AYIGULA), CHAUKA FORM
Heavy, High Grade Silver, 241 Grams (8.50 oz.)
Width: 9.5 cm (3 3/4") Height: 8 cm (3"), Chain Length: 67 cm (26 1/2")

Lingayat Linga Banajiga with Shiva Lingam Casket

This lingam casket (ayigula) is in the form called chauka, in reference to its rectangular shape whose top cover rises upwards at opposite ends to tapering points meant to suggest a bull’s horns, symbolic of Nandi the bull. Nandi is Shiva’s primary vehicle who serves as the mount of Lord Shiva. It has been made in two parts that are held together when the box is suspended from the chain.
Price:  USD $1,695.00 – POST FREE
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Shiva Lingam Casket 

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ANTIQUE SHIVA LINGAM CASKET, (AYIGULA), CHAUKA FORM
Heavy, High Grade Silver, 105 Grams (3.75 oz.)
Width: 7.5 cm (3"), Height: 5.5 cm (2 1/4"), Chain Length: 76 cm (30") 

Lingayat Linga Banajiga with Shiva Lingam Casket

The lingam casket dates from the early c.1900’s and has been very well preserved and used for the purpose for which it was made. It has an excellent patina and with contours softened and worn down by wear and use.
Price:  $895.00 – POST FREE
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Shiva Lingam Casket 

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VINTAGE SHIVA LINGAM CASKET, SMALL
 (Ayigalu), Limgam Container
  High Grade Silver,  71 cm (28") - Adjustable Cotton Cord, 31.4 Grams

This is a very small Ovoid high grade Silver Lingam Casket (ayigalu or shivadhara) in the “round pot” shape. This is the most common type worn by Lingayat laypeople. Lingayats are easily distinguished from other Hindus because in most cases the lingam casket is visible on the body. The bottom section is embellished with a round ball finial.  The central sphere of the  box is flanked by two projecting rectangular sides with conical lower sections- these also are embellished with pointed ball finals as well. The cotton cord is fine and adjustable in length at 76 cm (30″) and has been strung through the two outer finials allowing the box to be suspended from the neck.
Price:  USD $195.00
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Shiva Lingam Casket 

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VINTAGE SHIVA LINGAM CASKET, VERY SMALL
(Ayigalu), Limgam Container
 High Grade Silver,  71 cm (28") - Adjustable Cotton Cord, 10.2 Grams

Linga Banajiga with Shiva Lingam Casket

This is a very small Ovoid high grade Silver Lingam Casket (ayigalu or shivadhara) in the “round pot” shape. This is the most common type worn by Lingayat laypeople. Lingayats are easily distinguished from other Hindus because in most cases the lingam casket is visible on the body.  The bottom section is embellished with a round ball finial. The central sphere of the box is flanked by two projecting rectangular sides with conical lower sections- these also are embellished with round ball finals as well.  The double cotton cord is fine and adjustable in length at 71 cm (28″) and has been strung through the two outer finials allowing the box to be suspended from the neck.
Price:  USD $150.00
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Shiva Lingam Casket 

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19th CENTURY SOUTH INDIA AMULET, PRAYER BOX
( KAPPU KUTTU), KERALA
57 cm (21") High Grade Silver Chain, Width: 8 cm (3 1/4"), Height: 3.5 cm (1 1/4")
86.8 Gram (3.06 oz.)

1800’s, Devanga Man, Weaver’s Caste, Tamil Nadu, with Amulet Boxes

This is a beautiful antique, from the 19th century, large high grade silver round tubular amulet pendant, prayer box container from Kerala, South India. The tube has bands of very fine chasing which has now worn smooth. The applied top section has eleven decorative bales with round finals. The box unscrews at one end and has a silver cylinder for the insertion of magical protective objects and mantras.
Price:  USD $805.00 – POST FREE
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - South India Amulet  

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ANTIQUE ISLAMIC, PRAYER BOX SCROLL CONTAINER
Pashtun, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Prayer Box, 34.9 Grams (1.230 oz.)
 High Grade Silver Snake Chain, 71 cm (28"), 17 Grams (0.60 oz.)
 Prayer Box Length - 10 cm (4") 

Persian Lady wearing Large Quran Scroll Container Necklace

Musée du Quai Branly in Paris – Prayer Boxes

This is an early 20th century, high grade silver hollow cylindrical tube talisman, amulet prayer box container, from central Asia, and similar to styles and design from Afghanistan or Pashtun. It has three sturdy suspension rings for a chain to allow the amulet to be worn as a necklace. There are two decorated end caps – one of which opens to insert a protective prayer and also has the third suspension ring on the cap. It has been strung on a 71 cm (28″) antique high grade silver (sterling) Afghani snake chain with a S clasp for closing.
Price:  USD $525.00
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Islamic Prayer Box 

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ANTIQUE SOUTH INDIA SILVER BELT, KERALA
Can be worn as a Chain Necklace
A Solid, High Grade Silver, 72.4 cm  (28 1/2")  225 Grams (7.94 oz.)

This is a heavy in the hand, solid, high grade silver link handmade chain belt from Kerala, South India. This belt could also be worn as a necklace as detailed in the listing photos, although rather heavy. These type of belts were used in the 19th century by wealthy Kerala fishermen who wore it below the navel over the white dhoti (lower garment) to hold the dhoti up. The belt is of a very high quality and comprises one strand of thick, rectangular links that fit closely together and the ornamented center belt fastener opens to one side with a central screw pin mechanism.
Price:  USD $975.00 – POST FREE
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - South Indian Belt 

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ANTIQUE INDIA NECKLACE, RAJASTHAN PRAYER BOX, TAVIZ
ANTIQUE SRI LANKA SILVER BEADS
Old Round Purple (Grape) Garnets, 105 cm (27"), 105 Grams (3.70 oz.)

This is a beautifully made most probably early to mid 20th century necklace. It has components from India and Sri Lanka with a high grade silver prayer box amulet from Gujarat or Rajasthan and antique Sri Lanka silver beads and garnets. The center amulet taviz is in the round tube shape with six decorative bales. The amulet container is sealed and hollow with no wax element and quite heavy at approx. 30 grams approx. The granulation and decorative patterns on the front is very fine and of an exceptionally high standard. The taviz prayer box necklace has six antique Sri Lanka silver beads in between very old round purple (grape) garnets – the drilling holes have worn edges. I have identified the Sri Lanka beads as being from the southern part of Sri Lanka and are beautifully executed with the twisted open wire and granulation.
Price:  USD $805.00 – POST FREE
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Prayer Box Necklace 

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ANTIQUE ETHIOPIAN NECKLACE, CHUNAM BOX NECKLACE
 LIME BOX (BETEL NUT) PENDANT
1900's Heirloom Harar Tribe Ethiopian Large Silver Lac Beads
 230 Grams (8.11 oz), 57 cm (22 1/2")
RARE AND HEAVY NECKLACE

 

The above elaborately decorative chunam or the lime box from the early 1900’s, is a small version of the high-grade silver round flattened box with and attached chain and spatula. It was used to hold and carry lime (chunam) for mixing with sliced areca nut for betel chewing. It still contains lime residue, and the box opens with a small  hinge on the top back of the Chunam. The large heirloom lac beads are known as Muria beads and are from a wedding necklace typically worn by the Harar people of Ethiopia.  The spacer bicone beads are also from Ethiopia.  These heirloom beads are very old and date from late 1800’s to early 1900’s. The necklace is in good condition with quite some silver tarnish.  The chunam lime box, ‘S’ Clasp and Chain for the spatula are all high-grade silver, while the silver beads are a lower grade silver 80% approx. This is a heavy weight necklace, but extremely rare and beautiful.
Price:  USD $995.00 – POST FREE
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Ethopian Necklace 

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ANTIQUE SRI LANKA SILVER BEADS NECKLACE or BELT
Interlocking Cage Beads, Round Fluted Beads
Length: 79 cm (31"), Weight: 85 Grams

This is a 19th or early 20th century, solid high grade silver man’s belt from Sri Lanka, (formerly Ceylon). This can also be worn as a necklace. The fluted round beads are followed by interlocking cage beads, ending with large decorative heavy central closure bead (as detailed in listing photo No. 7). The beads are strung on a 4 mm high grade silver fine herringbone plaited cord. The belt unlocks at the center bead with a screw through the bead. This makes it almost invisible. The screw is very secure and turns anti clockwise to unscrew.
Price:  USD $815.00 – POST FREE
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Sri Lanka Belt 

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ANTIQUE SRI LANKA or SOUTH INDIAN AMULET BOX NECKLACE, TAVIZ
 Silver Fluted Bicone Beads
51 cm (20") High Grade Silver Snake Chain, 75 Gram (2.465 oz.)

This is a necklace circa 19th century – very rare – with five silver taviz prayer box pendants and six high grade silver hollow fluted bicone beads alternatively strung on a fine high grade silver Snake Chain with a S hook for closing. The granulation work and filigree is of an exceptionally high standard and each taviz being decorated differently on all sides. The necklace hangs very well as it is quite heavy at 75 Grams.
Price:  USD $825.00 – POST FREE
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Sri Lanka Necklace 

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ANTIQUE INDIAN PENDANT, TIKKA BEAD PENDANT
High Grade Silver, 25 Grams (0.871 oz.)
Adjustable Cord Length: 71 cm (28")

This is a vintage silver Indian Tikka or forehead ornament centre piece from Rajasthan in Northern India.  The forehead ornament is worn by the Bhil tribes.  The top ornament is a ball pendant worn as a tikka bead on the forehead and attached with chains to secure to the headpiece. The bottom section of the ornament is decorated with a geometric design on a rhombus square, with silver wire beading added. It has a very sturdy clip ring attached and a copper loop for hanging.
Price:  USD $225.00
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - India Silver Pendant 

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ANTIQUE  INDIAN NECKLACE, CHOKER or EXTENDED
HIMACHAL PRADESH 
High Grade Silver, 71 Grams
The black cotton cord lengths are 41 cm (16") each side and the silver spacer beads section is 9 cm (7 1/2")
The total length of the adjustable necklace is 101 cm (40")

This is an antique high grade silver choker or adjustable length necklace with 54 spacer beads from Himachal Pradesh, northern India and is quite heavy at 71 Grams (2.50 oz.). This necklace from the 1920’s was used to attach rupees along the bottom of the spacer beads and worn as a wealth necklace. The rupee coins could easily be removed when the wearer needed extra cash. Each spacer bead has been intricately cast by a Himachal silversmith.
Price:  USD $825.00 – POST FREE
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Himachal Necklace 

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ANTIQUE SOUTH INDIA TAVIZ, PRAYER BOX NECKLACE, KERALA
Six High Grade Silver Prayer Box Amulets, Antique Glass Beads, Silver Cornerless Cube Beads
64 Grams, 51cm (20")

Early 20th century, high grade silver rectangular hexagonal amulet pendant containers from Kerala State, South India.  The six silver containers are strung on a silver snake chain with a seven cornerless cube beads and bone colour glass beads. The old glass beads are very uniform and well made.
Price:  USD $450.00
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - South India Necklace 

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ANTIQUE TIBETAN GAU BOX NECKLACE
Tibetan Heirloom Turquoise, Translucent Tridacna Giant Clam Beads
Eyed Bodhi Seed Beads, Rudraksha Seed Beads,  51cm (20"), 84 Grams

This is a beautifully ornamented with filigree work, silver beaded wire and turquoise cabochons Tibetan Gau box and the oval domed front is of lower grade silver (80%) approx. dating from early to late 19th century. The front of the Ga’u is decorated with 17 turquoise cabochon inset in wax around a decorated silver bezels. (There are four turquoise stones missing). It is strung with a stunning necklace of antique Tibetan beads measuring 51 cm (20″) long.
Price:  USD $875.00 – POST FREE
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Tibetan Gau Necklace 

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ANTIQUE INDIAN NECKLACE
MADHYA PRADESH SILVER EARPLUG EARRING, CENTRAL INDIA
Antique Round Chinese Turquoise Beads,  RARE Sri Lanka Silver Beads, 65 cm (25 1/2"), 105 Grams

A COLLECTOR’S ITEM

Musu Kamma – The name of a special ear ornament worn by the Musu Kamma sub-division of Balijas Caste, South India

This is a beautifully ornamented high grade silver earplug earring (dhar) from Madhya Pradesh from the 19th century. This earplug earring is now the focal pendant of the necklace. It has a very fine silver wire circles and floral units added around a central raised lotus bloom with a turquoise cabochon. There are six RARE Sri Lankan silver beads with very fine granulation designs and on either end of these beads are twelve beautifully detailed silver spacer beads decorated with silver wire and granulation, also from Sri Lanka. There are 12 very old Chinese round mostly pale green in color, turquoise beads which display very little matrix.
Price:  USD $810.00 – POST FREE
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - India-Madhya Necklace 

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ANTIQUE DHEBARIA RABARI TWIN NAGALI LOBE EARRING PENDANT
Silver, Goldwash, Black Cotton Gold Thread Cord, Rajasthan, 18.6 Grams

This is an early to mid 20th century traditional high grade silver, gold washed, Nagali women’s lobe earring worn by married Dhebaria Rabari women. The Dhebaria Rabari of Pushka are nomadic people who move between Gujarat and the Rajasthan. This is a beautiful and rare example with a silver band across the front of the earring decorated with stamped florals and two Sun symbols. The elders of the Dhebaria Rabari forbade all women quite some years ago not to wear these earrings, even if they own them. This style of Nagali earring are extinct now and very expensive if you come across a pair.”
Price:  USD $395.00
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Rabari Pendant 

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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET, HIMACHAL PRADESH, SILVER (50%-80%) PENDANT
46 cm (18") High Grade Silver Turkmen Chain: 46.3 Grams

A COLLECTORS ITEM

It is not very often that you come across pendants like this – early to mid 20th century old silver (50-80%) pendant worn by the women in the Himachal Pradesh State in northern India.  The jewelers of Kangra, Chamba, Mandi and Kullu were famous for their silver jewellery skills. Kangra was the kingdom of Rajput in earlier days. They mainly worked with silver. The pendant is still in very good condition.  The arrowhead form pendant has a double bale and can be strung on a single or a double strand. There is a row of decorative bells around the bottom of the pendant and a stylized “Tree of Life” in the centre.
Price:  USD $195.00
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Himachal Pendant 

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VINTAGE INDONESIAN SILVER MESH CHAIN
 5 mm, Genuine, Solid High Grade Silver, 35 Grams (1.240 oz.), 48 cm (19")

This is a vintage, dating to mid 20th century, genuine, solid, high grade silver, mesh knitted wire flexible chain necklace, from Indonesia.  Through wear over the years it has become smooth and supple and has natural silver tarnishing but will polish up beautifully.  The making of the chain has been beautifully executed. It has a silver lobster claw for closing. The clasp has been marked with 925 – sterling.
Price:  $225.00
AVAILABLE:  Etsy-Indonesia Silver Chain 

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ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULET, DUO LORD SHIVA
High Grade Silver, Heavy, 53.4 Grams

This is a large,19th century high grade silver amulet pendant of duo Lord Shiva, worn widely in India. The amulet pendant is in the shape of a five-sided, peaked pentagon form, which symbolizes a temple (mandir), and has the two die-stamped Shiva forms added separately to the backing plate. It has a decorative bale, and a heavy floral design silver border added.

The subject of the amulet is the major Hindu deity Lord Shiva, who is the destroyer god or transformer among the Trimurti, the Hindu Trinity, of the primary aspects of the divine, in which the cosmic functions of creation, maintenance, and destruction are personified by the forms of Brahmā the creator, Vishnu the maintainer or preserver, and Śhiva the destroyer or transformer.
Price:  USD $175.00
AVAILABLE:  Etsy - Lord Shiva Amulet 

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