Ethnic Design Collection Reto Zehnder

An easy to wear Indian bracelet.

Unique and rare bracelet. Unfortunately, I am unable to remember where I bought it.

A large “tilhari” wedding necklace that used to be fashionable among most Middle Hill groups, especially the Tamang, Gurung, and Kiranti. Currently, Nepali women from these ethnic groups wear a smaller version in gold, if they can afford it. The "tilhari" is a primary emblem of married women. The wearing of this necklace symbolizes the wish for a long life of the husband.

The term Naga people refers to a conglomeration of several tribes inhabiting the North Eastern part of India and north-western Burma.

The term Naga people refers to a conglomeration of several tribes inhabiting the North Eastern part of India and north-western Burma.

Precice origin not known.

Braclet but more likely to be worn as anklet by Rajasthani women.

This fine chain, to wear as bracelet is off snake-like suppleness. These chains are reminiscent of the sacred snake (nâga). "Among the notable nāgas of Buddhist tradition is Mucalinda, Nāgarāja and protector of the Buddha. In the Vinaya Sutra (I, 3), shortly after his enlightenment, the Buddha is meditating in a forest when a great storm arises, but graciously, King Mucalinda gives shelter to the Buddha from the storm by covering the Buddha's head with his seven snakeheads." cit. Wikipedia

These two fine chains, to wear as bracelets are off snake-like suppleness. These chains are reminiscent of the sacred snake (nâga). "Among the notable nāgas of Buddhist tradition is Mucalinda Nagaraja and protector of the Buddha. In the Vinaya Sutra (I, 3), shortly after his enlightenment, the Buddha is meditating in a forest when a great storm arises, but graciously, King Mucalinda gives shelter to the Buddha from the storm by covering the Buddha's head with his seven snakeheads." cit. Wikipedia

Lovely chain to be used as necklace solo or in combination with a pendant.

Four chains assembeled to a flat band. Its length will fit only on a very slim neck.

Two-stranded silver belt, probably from Hyderabad. The two chains of a type of work known as kamardani. The belt opens by unscrewing a typical Indian left-hand screw.

This necklace is of a type of work known as kamardani, but this example is of high quality. The style of chain is loop in loop with a hooked closure. The effect of the flexible, loop-in-loop chain is that its movement imitates that of a snake, which has associations in Hinduism with fertility and creation.

Five strands of different lengths of snake chains assembled to a lovely necklace.

Three-stranded braclet which opens by unscrewing a typical Indian left-hand screw.

Six-stranded braclet which opens by unscrewing a typical Indian left-hand screw.

Five-stranded silver belt, probably from Hyderabad. The two chains of a type of work known as kamardani. The belt opens by unscrewing a typical Indian left-hand screw

Many such recent necklaces come from Uttar Pradeh

Exact origin not known, but the decorations may indicate an origin from Punjab. Very lovely silverwork mounted on a delicate silver chain.

Nice silver torque, with a large central red/pink gemstone. Overall very attractive and wearable.

"Hansli" torque from Rajasthan, worn by men, women and children.Very nice wearable piece.

An easy to wear but beautiful bracelet.