LARGE: Antique Indian Amulet, Goddess Durga, High Grade Silver, 81.3 Grams

A COLLECTOR'S ITEM:

This piece is entirely unique and a rare historical artifact made by village craftsmen with an extraordinary level of care.

Amulets of this size and of high grade silver can be used as portable alter shrines.

This is a large and heavy at 81.3 grams, 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 hand beaten (marks slightly visible) from a high grade silver sheet to a slight convex, and 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.

There are five chased swastika symbols (Sanskrit svastika, “all is well”) a cross with four arms of equal length, with the ends of each arm bent at a right angle. These are at each point of the five peaked pentagon temple.

The swastika is an ancient symbol that has been found worldwide, but it is especially common in India. Its name comes the Sanskrit word svasti (sv = well;asti= is), meaning good fortune, luck and well-being. 

The amulet has been strung on a new black Indian traditional handmade cotton thread cord with a looped end. It has been silver tested for high grade.

Height: 13.2 cm (4 3/4") including Bale
Width: 10 cm (4")
Bale:10 mm (3/8")
Weight: 81.3 Grams (2.870 oz.)
Chain: 45 cm (18") Traditional Indian Black Cotton Cord
Material: Tested Silver high grade 92.5% approx.