Boho Serpent outlet Bangle Double Headed Makara Southern India

Southern India Tribal Makara Bracelet Ethnic Boho Chic

ITEM: A bangle bracelet of very high style and historic Tribal mythology, this double headed Makara features the mythical serpents, sitting face to face with a tubular mesh acting as their body. The mesh tube has the dimensional, detailed Makara heads capped right onto it with both solder and wire. The mesh body of the mythical creature is held in place by a textured strapping soldered onto the bangle form mount. It's well made and very cleanly done. This maker certainly has skills! This one was really fun to research and brought me to exciting new places in doing so! I'm not an expert. The following is in my words and to the best of my understanding. Errors are entirely my own. But here goes! The theme hails from Southern India and the form is a mash up of serpent, fish and crocodile representing the Hindu godhead of the Ganges and has supporting ties to those born under the zodiac sign Capricorn. Makara is Sanskrit and comes from the Hindi word Magar which, once translated into English, became “Mugger” the Anglo name used to describe the most commonly found crocodiles in India. Within Hindu mythology, many creatures have a god attached to them and the mugger crocodile is but one!The Makara appears as the vahana or mount of the river goddesses Ganga, Narmada and of the sea god Varuna. The word Vahana denotes the being, typically an animal or mythical entity, a particular Hindu deity is said to use as a vehicle or guardian. In this capacity, the vahana is often called upon to act as the deity's vehicle. Instilled within the partnership between the deity and his vahana is woven a wide variety of iconography and mythology. The mixing of traits from one powerful creature with another is a common occurrence in many mythologies. In the case of the Makara, it's something that is a mix of serpent, fish and reptile. Makara are also known as both transport and guardians of transitions, guarding the thresholds and entryways to the mythical and spiritual kingdoms of the Gods. This silver tone, mixed metals silver bangle bracelet likely dates to the mid to late 60s and has a fantastic look to match its fantastical background. A great piece of ethnic jewelry, it is in beautiful condition too. The mesh tube is wired directly to the inner bracelet and soldered at the head shaped cap ends. A fantastic beast in every respect.

MARKS: The bangle has a couple of stamps. The first looks like the number 8 but could also be the symbol for eternity, the oroboros type of serpent eating it's tail. The second looks like a makers mark. That stamp appears very similar to the Hindi letter “maa” but could also be a J and S. It's hard to be sure! I've looked at the various databases for marks but haven't seen it in any of them, sorry! I'll update as soon as I get any further info.

SIZE: This unusual piece measures 3” across or external, edge to edge outer diameter. The interior diameter is 2 1/4” across. The actual circumference is just a mark shy of 7” around. With a fixed opening, no room for expansion, measure twice! Not only the wrist size but make sure you can get your hand through the opening. It is 1/3” wide.


CONDITION: In good to very good vintage condition showing signs of age typical for make and materials. I see no breaks, bends, dings or dents in any part of this bangle. It's a fixed opening or solid, on round bangle bracelet. It shows significant oxidation consistent with age. I see no rust or verdigris and no signs of replacement or repair. When I pulled this one out of the storage bins, it was almost black with patina. For the most part, it's still showing. I have wiped it down using a chamois to remove surface dirt while leaving that rich, full, rounded patina in place. I had to use a sunshine cloth to clean the interior in order to look for any marks outlet. The metals are a mixed alloys with a silver sheen. It's quite magnetic so I don't think there's much (if any) actual silver content. I see these listed as “old” or “tribal” silver however I'm not clear on what that means exactly. The look is certainly silver but that refers to the tone only. What it is is always more important to me than what it isn't. What it is is a c.1960s double headed Makara bangle made in southern India. A tribal design (and likely made) piece. It has a wonderful vibe, a great look and a fantastic back story! A great example of old, tribal whitemetal from Southern India. A truly fantastic beast!

SHIPPING: Free shipping covers standard parcel post in North America. Tracking costs extra. International clients please contact me for details regarding shipping to your post code. Thank you!

Ref.#DD55