Silver earrins from Odisha called “nagulu“, worn on extended earlobe holes, India. Nagulu were not specific to Orissa, but originated in Andhra Pradesh. The low caste Telugu farmers and weavers came to South Orissa in the 70s and introduced this genuine earrings design.
They represent a female cobra, which is supposed to add protection to the woman wearing the earrings.
From the first half of the 20th century.
Provenance: European private collection.
Dimensions: 4,3 cm long
Weight: 23 gr
Literature:
“Earrings. Ornamental identity and beauty in India”, Ganguly, Waltraud, B.R. Publishing Corporation, 2007, p. 202, 203
“A world of earrings. Africa, Asia America”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2001, p. 145
“Ethnic jewellery from Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands”, The pepin Press, 2002, p. 135
“Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 1997, p. 219
