South Asia, southern India, Tamil Nadu and Keralal region, ca. 19th century CE. A lovely high-quality gold 84.07% (equivalent to 20K+) Thali pendant with a brass rim inserted into the suspension hole lip and strung on a modern cord as a wearable necklace. Thalis were presented by the parents of the bride or by the groom during the wedding and the gold became part of the bride's dowry and personal wealth. The design and style of the pendant indicated the caste or community the couple belonged to - the gold indicating a wealthy merchant class, and the pendant was believed to ensure fertility and protection. The word thali (tali) comes from the name of a palm tree, (talipot palm, Corypha umbraculifera), which the pointed ends on this pendant may resemble - and the 3 points also invoke the Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Size of pendant: 1.5" L x 0.75" W (3.8 cm x 1.9 cm); cord: 21" L (53.3 cm); gold quality: 84.07% (equivalent to 20K+); weight: 10.3 grams

Provenance: private Boynton Beach, Florida, USA collection; ex-Sue Ollemans collection, London, UK

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#178606

Pendant is in excellent condition with minor indentations and abrasions near suspension hole. Areas of black patina. Strung on a modern cord as a wearable necklace. Overall excellent condition.