Title
Sarpech or Head Ornament
Year/Period
Early 20th century
Region
North India
Material
Dimension
Object size: 9.2 x 20.5 x 3.2 cm
Accession No.
2014-00429
Collection of
This large sarpech (Hindi/Urdu: Turban Ornament) is an immaculate example of a traditional piece of jewellery that adorned men’s turbans. The sarpech was commonly worn during the Mughal era, with a floral centrepiece surmounted by a feather, or feather-shaped projection set in gemstones. Over time, the design became more ostentatious, and from the18th century, there were three projections over a wide floral or geometrical band. The ornament was commonly worn by royalty, aristocracy and the upper classes, regardless of religious affiliation, and the practice has been carried on in formal male dress in north India, now being worn by grooms for their weddings.
