Vessel - silver alloy - 1900-1910 - Khalkhal

This unique and characterful object is an authentic, antique tribal ankle bracelet or cuff bracelet – also known as a khalkhal – that has been artisanal transformed into an exclusive decorative bowl or vide-poche. The base jewelry dates from the late ninth to the early twentieth century, circa 1890-1930, and originates from the border area of the Indian Ocean trade routes, presumably from Oman or the Indian regions of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. This is clearly recognizable by the heavy, twisted spiral design and the prominent vertical clasp piece richly adorned with finely handmade granulation. On the opposite side lies the subtle seam of the original hinge system with which the jewelry was opened and closed at the time.

The bracelet is made from a robust traditional tribal silver alloy that over decades has developed a beautiful, deep dark patina in the deeper grooves, creating a striking contrast with the raised sections. In the mid-twentieth century, this originally hollow bracelet was on its underside fitted with a manually inserted base plate of copper or brass. This makes the object excellently suited for modern interior applications, such as an exclusive storage box for jewelry, keys, or as a unique ashtray. Both the inside and the bottom show authentic signs of age and a characteristic greenish oxidation that emphasize the historical integrity of the material. The object has a height of 3.8 centimeters, a diameter of 10.8 centimeters and, with a solid weight of 300 grams, represents a tangible piece of ethnic cultural history.

Dimensions: 3.8x10.8x10.8 cm
Weight: 300 g