345 Old Challa or Waist-Skirt ornament

Small Challa with bells.

These little ornaments are devices worn by married women to draw attention to their presence. The hook attaches to the tight edge of the skirt at the waist.

The tinkling acts as a double edged sword – the husband finds this alluring while the other men in the family are expected to turn away and allow the woman her space …

Beautifully crafted – could be used as a key ring.

Estimated to be from the 1960s

Gujarat or Rajasthan

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This item has spent a lifetime being used for the purpose of its creation with the original artist/user. Signs of this life lived heartily may be present on the piece in the form of stains, thread loss, loose threads, holes, tears, color run and other imperfections. Therefore the condition must be assumed to be “not” perfect. More photos of such imperfections will be provided on request.

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