Marriage Necklace (Thali)
Elaborate necklaces of this type were presented by the groom’s family during wedding celebrations of the Chetiar community, a Shaivite mercantile caste, and formed part of the bride’s wealth (stridhan) thereafter. The necklace was initially part of a dowry given to the bride by the groom at a climactic moment in the ceremony, the three knots ritual. This form of necklace is known as a Kali-Tiru; the elaborate Thali type, as seen here, generally includes a central Shiva and Parvati on a medallion. The four fingers of the central pendant are understood as denoting the four Vedas.
Artwork Details
- Title: Marriage Necklace (Thali)
- Date: late 19th century
- Culture: India (Tamil Nadu, Chetiar)
- Medium: Gold strung on black thread
- Dimensions: Bottom of central bead to end of counterweight: L. 33 1/4 in. (84.5 cm)
- Classification: Jewelry
- Credit Line: Gift of Cynthia Hazen Polsky, 1991
- Object Number: 1991.32.3
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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