Head Ornament

Unknown

19th century · Gold, glass, turquoise · Islamic Art

This head ornament would attach at the top of the head, and the flower and bell-shaped ornaments known as karnaphul jhumka would hang along the side of the ear. The karnaphul, or floral stud, is a typical shape for an ear ornament, referencing the natural world so favored in Indian jeweled arts. The hanging bell-shaped jhumka pendants would move gracefully as the wearer walked, moved, and danced. This ornament was formerly in the collection of American artist and designer Lockwood de Forest (1850–1932) who purchased many items while traveling in India between 1879–1881. He collected many different examples of jewelry from India, including several of the same type. Today, his assemblage in the Met serves as a near-comprehensive study collection of Indian jewelry from the late nineteenth century.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Gold, glass, turquoise

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

John Stewart Kennedy Fund, 1915