Head Ornament

Unknown

19th century · Gold, jewels · Islamic Art

One of several ornaments that would have adorned the head of a bride or classical dancer, this jewel would have rested on the forehead and followed the contour of the hairline, the small pendants serving as a jeweled fringe. 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

Gold, jewels

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

John Stewart Kennedy Fund, 1915