Indian Cast Brass Toe Ring

Cast Brass Toe Ring

This impressive ring is cast with what appears to be two traditional dwelling huts or grain stacks with a central bridge. The ‘huts’ and bridge are topped with bud-like finials. The sides are decorated with plaited bands.

The hollow-cast ‘huts’ contain small stones or pieces of metal so that the ring rings when the toe or foot is moved.

The ring here has substantial wear and a dark-chocolate patina. The underside is marked with an old collection inventory number.

A less detailed example is in the Victoria & Albert Museum and illustrated in Barnard (2008, p. 38). It has little patina and was acquired by the museum in 1872.

Barnard, N., Indian Jewellery, V&A Publishing, 2008.