Bracelet (Kada), One of a Pair
Not on view
Bracelets decorated with confronting animal heads are known from various cultures since antiquity. In India, the terminals of bracelets or anklets are commonly ornamented with makara heads. The makara is a mythic water monster which combines the features of a crocodile, elephant, and fish and is believed to be a protective form. Here, two confronting makara heads hold in their jaws a round object that has been variously interpreted as magical jewel or a stylized rudraksha bead, sacred to the god Shiva.
This jewel was formerly in the collection of American artist and designer Lockwood de Forest (1850–1932) who purchased many jeweled objects while traveling in India between 1879–1881. Today, his collection of Indian jewelry in the Met serves as a near-comprehensive assemblage of late nineteenth century bodily adornment.
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