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 elongated basket like opening is not filled with wax and has been filled with perfume at some time. The elders of the Dhebaria Rabari forbade all women quite some years ago not to wear these earrings, even if they own them. This is because of different Rabari tribes wearing each others style earring. This style of Nagali earring is extinct now.
An explanation of the name of the nagali earrings: Women in Pushkar, Rajasthan, describe a mushroom which is called snake umbrella and comes out after the rains, because snakes have the habit of hiding under its hood.
The nagali (from the Sanskrit - naga -snake) earring is supposed to stand for the doubled shape of the mushroom.
It has been beautifully strung in the old tradition of black cotton cord and gold thread, with black cotton beads also decorated with gold thread. The length can be adjusted by a sliding cotton bead.

Width: 4 cm (1 1/2")
Length: 4.5 cm (1 3/4" )
Weight: 18.6 Grams (0.660 oz.)
Length of Cotton Cord: 86 cm (35")
Material - Tested high grade silver - 92.5% approx.

PRICE: USD $395.00
POSAT FREE