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Comments

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  SARAH CORBETT July 8, 2011 at 10:08am

  beautiful!

   
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  Joost Daalder July 9, 2011 at 5:57am

  Actually, Marie-Ange, we have found in the case of our example, and fairly definitely, after researching the matter, that this piece (not uncommon) is a belt, not a necklace. That fact becomes logical to you in a tangible way, as a wearer, if you try it on either way: but almost everyone is almost automatically inclined to think of it as a necklace, so you are not alone in that assumption. The piece is in no sense less good either way - but I thought you (and your buyers) might like to know. Truus discusses our version, which also contains an additional crescent-shaped amulet, on pp. 309, 312, and 526 of *Ethnic Jewellery and Adornment*, where it is illustrated. Did you buy it in Rajasthan, by any chance? For it should be described as a Kerala piece. Your price sounds very reasonable, although, judging from the photo, I cannot judge the silver content. What, do you think, that is?? Also, do you have an idea about its age??
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  Marie-Ange July 9, 2011 at 10:32am

  Hello Joost, thank you for the explanation for what you think it is, I just wonder how it can be a belt with 28".  Yes we purchased it in Rajasthan, the silver is of high quality.  Price is always very personal for every seller depending on how much they purchased it for, I never make much profit on my items, this is my hobby not my day to day income.
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  Joost Daalder July 9, 2011 at 2:08pm

  Hi Marie-Ange, - The width of 71 cm (28'') is in fact perfectly normal for an ethnic belt worn by a woman in many countries, and a good many of just that size have survived. Not least in India, where women have traditionally had very small waists! I am also not surprised that the silver is of high quality, which in India is frequently the case. You bought well, and a price just short of 200 euro is to my mind very modest. I can see that indeed you are not set to make much of a profit, and commend you for that. If you did operate at this level for your day-to-day income you'd have to charge more, and most people would do so anyway. I wish you success in selling it, and can't imagine you won't soon have a taker! As it happens we already have a completely plain one like yours and one with an extra more decorative amulet added (also a belt, though, like this one). The more elaborate version is discussed in Truus's book. An almost identical one is illustrated in Oppi Untracht's classic (1997), which is well worth obtaining in any case: p. 127, fig 215, described as from Kerala and a "silver belt" ("patti aranjanam"). It is worn for every day use but also in dances. You have a good piece, and I should add that we too thought, when we bought our first specimen (almost identical to yours), that it was a necklace. But as one finds out more, one changes one's mind, and as this is not a rare article and Untracht truly is a great scholar, who lived in India for many years and thoroughly researched his subject, there is no reason to doubt the description.  Nor is there anything wrong with its being a belt. You did well, and thank you for posting this and many other good pieces!
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  Joost Daalder July 9, 2011 at 2:14pm

  Sorry, Marie-Ange: I did not take in, upon reading your caption, that the silver is actually sterling. For other remarks, please see my previous post about Untracht etc.
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  Marie-Ange July 9, 2011 at 2:27pm

  Hi Joost, I tried to change to add with your recommendations but somehow this seems not possible??
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  Isabel Iglesias July 14, 2011 at 10:48pm

  Hello Marie-Ange!

  I have a similar piece and indeed it's a belt...but I wear it as a necklace!

  I will post it it as soon as possible...You have a nice collection!!

  I hope to see more of it!

  Ciao!

  Isabel