Large Himalayan Silver & Turquoise Hair Ornament (Dunkertsa)

This large, silver plaque was used as a mandala-form hair ornament by the Spiti and Lahaul – two Tibetan peoples of Himachal Pradesh in Himalayan India. This example would have been intended for a wealthier or aristocratic woman. Less opulent versions, though still relatively expensive on account of their imported material, were made of shell (see an example here).

It is decorated with both chasing and punch work, and is the finest example of one of these that we have seen. There is a large central turquoise cabochon , and around this is the most beautiful lotus petal border chased in high relief.

The reverse has two silver eyelets to allow the plaque to be fixed to the top of the head.

The plaque is domed slightly, to match the contours of the head.

Lahaul (Lahul) and Spiti Districts are small in terms of  population an even today have a combined population of slightly more than 30,000. The population is generally of Tibetan or related ancestry and the  majority ethnic group is the Sino-Tibetan Kinnaur people. Generally, the locals follow a combination of Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism of the Drukpa Kagyu order, or   Tibetan Buddhism of the Gelugpa order.

It has an excellent patina and very obvious age. There is a small split on one edge but this is a function of age and use. It has a small, early repair. The silver used is quite thick, so the plaque is heavy and stable.