Silver - Necklace - Himachal Pradesh 200 g

Antique Himalayan Fringe Necklace – Tribal low alloy Silver – Himachal Pradesh, Northern India – circa 1920

Catawiki description
Antique Tribal Silver Necklace from the Western Himalayas

A striking and highly decorative traditional necklace from Himachal Pradesh in Northern India, dating to approximately 1920. The necklace is composed of a dense, fan-shaped fringe of individually cast metal ornaments, attached to an old black woven textile cord. Each pendant has an elongated tubular body with raised collars, small diamond- or leaf-shaped projections and a distinctive trefoil terminal. Together, the numerous articulated elements create an impressive rhythmic composition and a subtle sound and movement when worn.

The bold, almost sculptural appearance makes this an exceptional example of traditional Himalayan jewellery. The slight irregularities between the individual elements demonstrate its handmade production and give the necklace considerable ethnographic character.

Possible interpretation as a wealth or coin necklace (see the last SYMBOLIC pic)

One possible interpretation is that the necklace is related to the traditional Himalayan wealth- and coin-necklace tradition. Silver coins were frequently incorporated into jewellery in Himachal Pradesh, where they served both as personal adornment and as a visible, portable store of wealth.

It is possible that coins or additional ornaments were once suspended from some of the cast elements. Small openings and the construction of certain terminals may support this interpretation. However, no coins are currently attached, and this interpretation should be regarded as a plausible possibility rather than a definitive identification.

Traditional coin necklaces from Himachal Pradesh are documented with British Indian rupees attached to textile cords or silver structures. A comparable Himachal Pradesh coin necklace made with George V rupees sold at Saffronart for approximately US$951, although that example retained its original silver coins.

Material

The necklace is made from a traditional silver-coloured metal alloy, commonly described in the antiques trade as tribal silver.

Its precise silver content is unknown and has not been professionally tested. The visible green oxidation in some recessed areas indicates the presence of copper in the alloy, which is common in traditional silver alloys. No guarantee can therefore be given regarding fineness or precious-metal content.

Details
Object: traditional fringe necklace
Region: Himachal Pradesh, Western Himalayas, Northern India
Culture: traditional Himalayan jewellery
Date: circa 1920
Material: tribal silver or silver-bearing metal alloy
Silver fineness: unknown and untested
Construction: individually cast and articulated ornaments on a woven textile cord
Length: approximately [insert measurement] cm
Maximum width: approximately 45 cm cm
Weight: approximately 200 g
Condition

Good and highly authentic antique condition, with wear consistent with approximately a century of age and traditional use.

The metal displays an attractive naturally aged surface with dark patination, rubbing, minor scratches and localised green oxidation. The individual handmade elements show irregularities and minor differences in shape. One or more terminals may have old losses or incomplete sections. The textile cord shows visible age, wear and some fraying.

The necklace has not been aggressively polished, preserving its desirable old patina and ethnographic character. Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.

Any comparative image showing a necklace with Indian silver coins is included for historical reference only; the illustrated comparison object is not part of this lot.

Collector’s note

Traditional jewellery from the mountainous regions of Himachal Pradesh was not merely decorative. Heavy silver ornaments could communicate regional identity, family prosperity and social position while also functioning as portable wealth. Historical sources identify several forms of silver necklace from the region, including Champakali, Chandanhaar and other elaborate necklaces combining cast elements, chains, pendants and coins.

With its dramatic radiating silhouette, handmade construction and deeply aged surface, this necklace is a powerful and unusual collector’s object. It would appeal equally to collectors of Indian silver, Himalayan art, ethnographic jewellery and historic costume.