Bracelet (Kara)

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.

This ornament was formerly in the collection of American artist and designer Lockwood de Forest (1850–1932) who purchased many items while traveling in India between 1879–1881. He collected many different examples of jewelry from India, sometimes several of the same type. Today, his assemblage in the Met serves as an in-depth study collection of Indian jewelry from the late nineteenth century.