AN INDIAN GOLD GULU NECKLACE

Description:

India, Maharashtra
L. 39 cm
Gold beads, central red glass stone flanked by two mythical birds. 18-20kt yellow gold (tested), added chain links and hook clasp in 14kt rosé gold (tested). Weight ca. 33,5g. This type of necklace (guluband) was worn by women of the Vaishya and Shudra castes. The bird decoration on this piece is supposed to give protection to the wearer.
From a German private collection, acquired from Hans Weihreter in the 1990s, published in: Hans Weihreter: Schützende Pracht, Indischer Schmuck aus drei Jahrhunderten, Edition Khyun, Augsburg, 2008, B. 75, p. 89 - Minor wea, newly mounted, originally these collars were mounted on textile ribbons (pattwa wallha)