Enquiry about object: 6570
Indian Khasi Silver Cuff Bracelet
Khasi people, North-eastern India early 20th century
height: 7.8cm, internal diameter: 4.7-5.8cm, weight: 245g
Provenance
private Dutch collection.
This impressive, hinged bracelet is of solid silver and is heavy for its size. It has been chiselled with bands of faceting work, designed to catch the light as the wearer moved he wrist. These are complimented by rows of silver spikes and bands of pearled wire work.
The bracelet opens and is secured with a long silver pin mechanism.
Related examples are illustrated in Nadler (2005. p. 175). These are attributed to Himachal Pradesh in northern India.
The bracelet is from the matrilineal Khasi people of Meghalaya, a state in India’s north-east that formerly was part of Assam. The Khasi are an indigenous ethnic group of Meghalaya and Assam, and in certain parts of what is now Bangladesh. The Khasi form around half the population Meghalaya and are the only Mon-Khmer speaking people in South Asia.
The bracelet is in excellent condition.
References
Nadler, D. & S., Silver: From Fetish to Fashion, PDN Publishing, 2005.
