Fine, Indian Chased Silver Waist Belt (Oddiyanam)

This unusually fine, high-grade silver belt comprises four smaller hinged panels at the front, two decorative side panels, and one longer silver strip at the back. The front sections are finely chased with South Indian sacred swan (hamsa) motifs and mythical feline creatures (yalis).

The large back panels is chased in low relief with floral and leaf motifs within leafy scrolling borders.

The belt opens by means of pull-out silver pegs.

Five silver chains of increasing length hang from the front panels in a decorative and pleasing manner.

Waist belts such as these were part of a bride’s attire, and also were used by dancers. They were worn over the sari.

The belt is in excellent condition.

A belt of related form but in gold is illustrated in Rai & Mani (2017, p. 222).