1999.2 Necklace

This elaborate necklace from Thanjavur may have been associated with jewelry worn by practitioners of Bharatanatyam, a classical south Indian dance form that originated in the state of Tamil Nadu. It was originally performed in temples by highly trained and educated women who served the deity and thus did not marry. Performers wore elaborate costumes and jewelry that reflected the wealth of the temple to which they belonged. This necklace could also have belonged to the wife of a wealthy gentleman.

While it is not clear whether this particular necklace was part of a temple dancer's regalia, its overall style is typical of such items of jewelry. Its chain of pearls and gold, interestingly, suggests influence from the north Indian Mughal court. The basic form of the Mughal-style long necklace (patadi har) has, in Tamil Nadu, taken on the appearance of a flower garland. This particular necklace evokes the form of Shiva lingam and of peacocks. 

Mughal: AAT: 300018939

Tamil Nadu: TGN: 7001797

India (nation): TGN: 7000198

Thanjavur (inhabited place): TGN: 7016825

gold (metal): AAT: 300011021

pearls (animal material): AAT: 300011827

diamond (mineral): AAT: 300011084

ruby: AAT: 300011082

emerald (mineral): AAT: 300011074

nineteenth century (dates CE): AAT: 300404513

necklaces: AAT: 300046001

jewelry: AAT: 300209286

1996.211 Hair braid ornament

1996.218 Arm band

From 1999:  Dallas Museum of Art, gift of David T. Owsley through the Alconda-Owsley Foundation [1]

Before 1999:  Ernst Egon von Lixfeld, Scottsdale Az. [2]

[1] See Deed of Gift (dated January 21, 1999, copy in object file). 

[2] A letter from Gabriela Truly of the Dallas Museum of Art to "Tsajon" Ernst-Egon von Lixfeld (dated March 16, 1998) documents that the necklace was then in the collection of von Lixfeld. 

Apply to objects where number equals 1999.2