Flexible Silver Armlet (Bazuband)

Flexible arm bands (today these can be worn as bracelets) in this style come from Rajasthan. Called bahutta by local Muslims, they tended to be worn on the upper arm just above the elbow by women. The silver band was worn on the outer part of the arm and kept in place by a woollen or cotton tie tied around the rest of the arm.

This example comprises dozens of interlocking zig-zag shaped silver bands kept in place within a thick but flexible cord frame. The ends comprise flat plates with scalloped edging and decorated with circular punchwork.

Similar examples are illustrated in Utracht (1997, p. 251) and van Cutsem (2002, p. 203).

The example here is fine condition with obvious age and good patina. It closes with a thick cotton loop and silver bead.