Indian Silver Necklace with Large Madalio Pendant

This elaborate silver necklace and pendant is from Bhuj in Gujarat, Western India.  It comprises a large, talismanic arrowhead-type pendant and a double silver necklace strung with multiple units including four cylindrical amulets, additional decorative elements, suspended silver bells, and two conical finials.

The necklace closes with a silver S-type closure.

The pendant is decorated with applied silver filigree, embossed silver plaques, and silver bells.

Two loops on either side allow the pendant to be suspended from the chain.

The top of the pendant is surmounted by a solid-cast, bud-like finial. Two other such finials adorn the open fields just beneath the top. A further one is attached the lower edge of the pendant.

The form of this pendant has several interpretations. One is that it is based on a stylised hooded cobra’s head. Another is that it is of arrowhead (chagda) form. And another is that it is based on the revered pipal leaf.

A similar necklace is illustrated in Untracht (1997, p. 128).

The example here is in a fine, wearable condition. The necklace is complete and without losses.