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Collections

Unknown
Beltcirca 1900

Not on view
No image
Artist or Maker
Unknown
Title
Belt
Place Made
India, Maharashtra, Pune
Date Made
circa 1900
Medium
Braided silver wire and silver repoussé plaques
Dimensions
Length: 30 in. (76.2 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Stephen Markel in memory of Catherine Ann Shryock
Accession Number
AC1998.258.2
Classification
Jewelry and Adornments
Collecting Area
South and Southeast Asian Art
Curatorial Notes

This belt is made of five-strand braided silver wire, which is bound together by twenty-four bands with die-stamped floral rosettes. The flaring belt terminals are each riveted by three die-stamped floral rosettes. The circular clasp with a pin fastener is in the form of a floral medallion with eight lotus petals. In the center is a male head with almond-shaped eyes, a fleshy lower lip, large ears, and “snail-curl” hair. It possibly represents the Sun God Surya, or a Jain jina.

Silver waist-belts from the Deccan were crafted in several technological styles, including braided wire of a single or multiple strands, chain-link of various shapes and gauge, and solid links with ornamental designs and flexible connectors. The decorative motifs are generally geometric, floral, and/or iconographic.