Pair of Gujarat Heavy Silver Anklets (Kadla)

This heavy pair of of solid silver anklets weighs almost a kilogram. Each has a pleasing ribbed and curved form, and opens with a screw mechanism.

Each is inscribed with a brief line of Gujarati text – most probably an ownership inscription. Such an inscription was not only important to establish ownership but also inheritance.

They were worn by women.

Similar anklets of similar weight are ascribed to the Koli people of Probandar in Gujarat (see Untracht, 1997, p. 272; and van Cutsem (2002, p. 176). These groups were poor and so such anklets were among the few dowry ornaments that the womenfolk could expect to receive.

They are designed to be striking and impressive and are likely to be the most important assets that a Koli woman might have owned.

The pair are splendid in that they are a pair and have not become separated, they are sculptural and have good signs of age.