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Lot 20
 
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A Pair of 'Akota' Ear Clips    


Gilded silver

20th century
Saurashtra and Kutch, Gujarat



One of the most striking ear ornaments of India, Akota earrings were primarily worn in the Saurashtra and Kutch regions of Gujarat during the first half of the 19th century. They are not ascribed to any particular community and several similar-looking ornaments are known to have been worn in other parts of the state as well as in Rajasthan. Akota are believed to be extinct since at least fifty years, although they may still be used in extremely remote areas. The earrings are worn in the lobe, and are often gilded or feature appliqué work. They also feature a characteristic horizontal, band- like decoration at the bottom, studded with rows of protruding knobs that work to steady the weight of the earring and prevent sliding.




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  Lot 20 of 75  

24-HOUR AUCTION: INDIAN FOLK AND TRIBAL ART AND OBJECTS
21-22 AUGUST 2012
Estimate
Rs 30,000 - 50,000
 $560 - 930

RESERVE NOT MET









PUBLISHED:
Earring: Ornamental Identity and Beauty in India, Waltraud Ganguly, B.R. Publlishing Corporation, New Delhi, 2007

A similar pair has been illustrated in Traditional Jewelry of India, Oppi Untracht, Thames and Hudson, London, 1997 (pl. 447)



 



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