South Indian Parcel-Gilt, Silver Panelled Waist Belt (Araipatti)

This heavy, impressive silver belt and buckle comprises a series of pierced, chased and parcel-gilt silver panels, all attached to a silver mesh substrate band. Mythical hamsa and yali emblems as well as deer and beautiful flower forms are among the finely rendered motifs on the plaques, all against scrolling, leafy backgrounds.

The buckle, which opens to one side with a pin mechanism, is domed and set with a red glass cabochon. A silver chain attaches to the pin and the buckle.

A buckle with a similar stepped pyramid face inset with a stone that is attributed to the Ambedekar region in Tamil Nadu in south India is illustrated in Utracht (1997, p. 245).

Overall, however, this is an impressive belt, in fine condition.