Not currently on display at the V&A

Head Ornament

early 20th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This pair of hanging ornaments is of a type called ‘sondus’, worn at the side of the head by women in Ladakh, on the western edge of the Tibetan plateau. Such ornaments are attached to the side of the perak - a traditional headdress encrusted with chunks of turquoise that is worn on important ritual occasions and passed down through a family. The auspicious and luck-bringing ‘Endless Knot’ design, one of the Eight Auspicious Emblems of Buddhism, forms the upper part of each ornament. To this is attached an openwork butterfly ornament and bunches of small silver flowers.


Object details

Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Earring
  • Earring
Materials and techniques
Embossed silver and pearled wire
Brief description
Head ornaments
Physical description
A silver hanging ornament consisting of an openwork Auspicious Knot to which is attached an openwork butterfly ornament. From the lower edge of this hang three bunches of small silver flowers.
Dimensions
  • Length: 18cm
Object history
Bequest of Lord Curzon.
Summary
This pair of hanging ornaments is of a type called ‘sondus’, worn at the side of the head by women in Ladakh, on the western edge of the Tibetan plateau. Such ornaments are attached to the side of the perak - a traditional headdress encrusted with chunks of turquoise that is worn on important ritual occasions and passed down through a family. The auspicious and luck-bringing ‘Endless Knot’ design, one of the Eight Auspicious Emblems of Buddhism, forms the upper part of each ornament. To this is attached an openwork butterfly ornament and bunches of small silver flowers.
Collection
Accession number
IM.180&A-1927

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdFebruary 24, 2004
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest