Gold earrings from Himachal Pradesh, India. They have a support chain to avoid excessive weight on the earlobe. The three-ball decoration imitates the blossoms of the Babul tree (Acacia Arabica) which is believed to be a favorite spirit haunt.
The design with three balls can be traced back to Assyrian and Babylonian examples.
Similar earrings are worn by men in Rajasthan.
From mid 20th century.
22 ct gold.
Provenance: European private collection
The earrings have a final loop that has to go through the earlobe hole, so slightly stretched earlobe holes are needed. A pin is needed to secure the earrings.
Dimensions (without chain): 3,5 x 3,8 cm
Weight: 38,8 g
Literature:
“A world of earrings. Africa, Asia America”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2001
“Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 1997
“Earrings. Ornamental identity and beauty in India”, Ganguly, Waltraud, B.R. Publishing Corporation, 2007
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