Rare Traditional Tibetan/Ladakhi Headdress 'Perak' (150 cm) – inlaid with turquoise and a plaque - turquoise/leather/hair/seashells/yak wool - Tibet - 20th century

Splendid and imposing Perak, a ceremonial female headdress measuring as long as 150 cm, originating from the mountainous regions of the Himalayas (Tibet/Ladakh).
In Tibetan-Ladakhi traditional culture, the Perak represents one of the most precious tribal jewels and artifacts: it was worn by women during weddings and celebrations, passed from mother to daughter as a symbol of social prestige, wealth, and spiritual protection.
This specimen features a long padded band entirely covered with dozens of natural turquoises in varying shades, from vivid sky blue to matrix green. At the center of the structure rises a square metal alloy plate, finely worked in relief with geometric and floral motifs and embellished with inlaid colored stones. The upper part is decorated with Kauri (Cowrie) shells, historically imported from the Indian Ocean and used in the Himalayan valleys as precious amulets of fertility and good omen.
The piece is completed by the typical “wings” folded in felt/dark sheep skin on the sides and by a rich cascade of long black yak wool and hair braids woven and designed to fall along the wearer’s back.
The object is in generally good condition for its age and ethnic nature, with a beautiful patina of time and natural signs of wear on the back fabric and fibers, testifying to its authenticity and artisanal craftsmanship. A rare piece of great charm for collectors of Asian, tribal, and ethnic jewelry art.”