Anklet, One of a Pair

Unknown

19th century · Silver · Islamic Art

Anklets were important components in a suite of jewels worn by women in India. These very heavy examples are fabricated in two pieces, and tightly secured with a near-invisible pin. Some legends suggest that heavy anklets like these could weigh up to 20 pounds and were used to prevent brides from running away from their new families. This ornament was formerly in the collection of American artist and designer Lockwood de Forest (1850–1932) who purchased many jeweled objects while traveling in India between 1879–1881. Today, his collection of Indian jewelry in the Met serves as a near-comprehensive assemblage of late nineteenth century bodily adornment.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Silver

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

John Stewart Kennedy Fund, 1915