“Thandatti” gold earrings, India

Pair of “Thandatti” gold earrings, worn by women in the Southern districts of Tamil Nadu, India.

Thandatti are one of the most popular earrings in Tamil Nadu. There are several explanations for the name and its cubistic form. It can be interpreted as a three-dimensional yantra or as Mount Meru, the vertical axis of the universe. Another common belief sees in the shape a stylized version of Shiva’s snake.

Thandatti are produced in many places; the center is Usilampatti, Madurai district. The hollow form is filled with lac for stabilization and to prevent denting; very small forms may be solid. Sometimes, sacred ashes (scrit. vibhuti – power, greatness) are stuffed in the thandatti to add sanctity to it. Vibhuti are the ashes taken from the holy fire that is kindled with dried cow dung. Shiva used to smear his body with vibhuti; hence, it is used in imitation by his devotees who hope to end their Samsara by this act.

22 kt gold over a lac core.

From the first half of the 20th century.

Provenance: European private collection.

Dimensions: 3,7 x 2,8 x 3,2 cm
Weight: 27,9 g

Literature:

“A world of earrings. Africa, Asia America”, van Cutsem,  Anne, Skira, 2001, p. 121
“Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 1997, p. 221
“Earrings. Ornamental identity and beauty in India”, Ganguly, Waltraud, B.R. Publishing Corporation, 2007, p. 242-3
“Dance of the peacock”, Krishnam, Usha R. Bala, India book House, 2010, p. 172
“Ethnic jewellery from Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands”, The pepin Press, 2002, p. 148

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