Object Note
Part of a lot purchased together which includes a woman’s ensemble –blouse, pair of trousers and a jacket (ZI2020.500741 ASIA, ZI2020.500741a ASIA, ZI2020.500741b ASIA) and six other pieces not related to the ensemble (ZI2020.500741c ASIA, ZI2020.500741d ASIA, ZI2020.500741e ASIA, ZI2020.500741f ASIA, ZI2020.500741g ASIA, ZI2020.500741h ASIA).
Object History
This man’s ceremonial garland was purchased by Dr. Reem Tariq El Mutwalli from Kerry Taylor Auctions, London in 2020 to be added to The Zay Initiative Collection.
Object Features
This is a man’s ceremonial neck ornament or garland (haar) possibly for a Muslim groom. Made from gold and copper metal wire wrapped around cotton threads with copper sequins and gold and copper thread sewn over a silk fabric that is stuck to cardboard bases that have embossed silver foil-lined backs. The haar features a main pendant and three tiers of attachments on either side.
Traditionally Muslim grooms and their companions in South Asia are often greeted with this kind of ornaments or garlands along with floral garlands by the bride’s family when they arrive at the bride’s house for the wedding. Never a part of the primary bridal jewellery, these kinds of ornaments are often bought in bulk for disposable usage.
This piece is possibly from the Sindh region of the subcontinent and judging from its embellishment and other accompanying articles it could have been part of a fairly affluent Muslim groom and his men’s wedding attire.
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