Antique tribal / ethnic coral bangle set with silver coins. Originally used as an adorned accessory to facilitate carrying loads on the head. It would be placed on the head and a bowl or basket would be balanced on top of it, decreasing the pressure on the wearer. Made in India. Outer diameter is approximately 4 inches. Inner measurement is over 2 1/2 inches accross, allowing for a wide wrist. The silk ties can be opened to make the bangle larger or slightly smaller. Consists of a deep, earthy red cotton cloth with crocheted borders and embroidered terminals to prevent fraying of the fabric. The outside of the bangle is set with a double ring of coral beads, over which a ring of silver coins has been attached, whether original to the bangle, is not known. The ends are tied with a silk cord, ending in orange and red tassles. The woven work at the ends of the bangle is extremely fine (see enlarged ''photos), done in shades of orange and red, a little frayed in bits, but still very beautiful. The coral is salmon coloured and in places where pieces are missing, we can see that they were set over metal rings, which give strength and solidity to the bangle (bearing in mind it''s original purpose). Some of the coins are too worn to decipher clearly, but at least one shows that it is 1/4 Indian Rupee, with embossed flowers around the border and dated 1918. Condition: besides the wear and tear of about 100 years mentioned above, the bangle is in good, wearable condition and makes a beautiful, aesthetic addition to any serious antique jewellery or handworked textile collection. Status: For Sale Reference#: 3927 Condition: good Year: 1890 Title: ANTIQUE TRIBAL ETHNIC CORAL BANGLE SET W SILVER COINS

Regional & Ethnic Antiques