Title
Serpent-shaped hair ornament
Year/Period
Early 19th century
Region
Karnataka, South India
Object Type
Technique
Dimension
Object size: L:63.0 x W:9.5 x 3.0 cm
Accession No.
1999-02693
Collection of
This nagachoti (snake braid) is surmounted by a sun and crescent moon above a hooded snake whose body is knotted in a figure of eight trampled upon by dancing Krishna. The V-shaped pieces taper downwards in floral pattern are threaded together with red beads on either end by a thick cotton cord in the centre. The smallest pieces are shaped like birds facing in opposite directions while the last single piece above the tassels is the Gandabherunda, a mythic double headed bird, the royal insignia of the Wodeyar rulers (1399 -1947) of Mysore. This plait ornament is worn by brides and dancers in Tamil Nadu and parts of South India on special occasions.
