Untitled

Unknown

late 19th century · Gold strung on black thread · Asian Art

Elaborate necklaces of this type were presented by the groom’s family during wedding celebrations of the Chetiar community, a Shaivite mercantile caste, and formed part of the bride’s wealth (stridhan) thereafter. The necklace was initially part of a dowry given to the bride by the groom at a climactic moment in the ceremony, the three knots ritual. This form of necklace is known as a Kali-Tiru; the elaborate Thali type, as seen here, generally includes a central Shiva and Parvati on a medallion. The four fingers of the central pendant are understood as denoting the four Vedas.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 19th century

Medium

Gold strung on black thread

Culture

India (Tamil Nadu, Chetiar)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Cynthia Hazen Polsky, 1991