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A pair of Indian Pambadam gold earrings.
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A pair of Indian Pambadam gold earrings.

Anthea Fine Arts

Date Late 19th century

Period Early 20th century

Origin London, consignment

Medium gold plated

The unique shape of these earrings represents an abstracted image of a cobra laying eggs on her nest. Amid the complex arrangement of geometric forms, one can discern two bulging eyes on a widespread hood. Especially in rural regions of Southern India, where these earrings were commonly worn, snakes are simultaneously revered and feared. While they signal protection, their close association with water and the earth also makes them emblems of fortune and fertility.

Date: Late 19th century

Period: Early 20th century

Origin: London, consignment

Medium: gold plated

Literature: For a similar pair of earrings see The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip, Arts MIA,  92.132.2a,b

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Anthea Fine Arts

Antiquities, Classical Sculptures, Glyptics and Jewelry.

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