Rudrakshamala Necklace, early 19th century
Rudraksha berries, 22k gold, silver, rubies, and semiprecious stonesexpand_more
The Christina N. and Swan J. Turnblad Memorial Fundexpand_more 92.132.1
On View in Gallery 211expand_more
This elaborate gold necklace once adorned the neck of a Brahman priest or wealthy Chettiar (a male member of a mercantile community with roots in Tamil Nadu in southern India). He would have worn it on very special occasions, or donated it to a temple. Its chain, made of Rudraksha beads from a tree believed to be sacred to the Hindu god Shiva, is attached to three golden lozenges decorated with rubies and semiprecious stones. The central amulet depicts the divine couple, Shiva and Parvati, flanked by their two sons, Ganesha and Murugan. Kaumari, a goddess related to Murugan, appears on the clasp astride her vehicle, the peacock. The bottom amulet would have contained a lingam, an abstract representation of Shiva, or sacred ash, allowing it to function as a portable shrine.
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Details
- Title
- Rudrakshamala Necklace
- Role
- Artist
- Dimension
- L.17-1/2 x W.(at widest point in pendant)4-3/8 x D.1-5/8 in.
- Accession Number
- 92.132.1
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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