Indian or Zanzibar Sand-Cast Silver Flexible Anklet (Sankhla)

This is a splendid and rare example of a high-grade silver flexible anklet that has been cast in the Thar Desert tribal areas of Gujarat using a mould (mold) made from sand. Sand casting is both a rudimentary and difficult process. Rarely are the results as crisp as with the example here.

It is also similar to an example in the British Museum found in and attributed to Zanzibar, so the a Swahili Coast provenance for this anklet cannot be ruled out.

Each element is of solid silver and each component fits together in a vertabrae-like manner.

The anklet opens with a screw mechanism which opens and closes securely.

This example is in excellent condition. Today, it could be worn as a bracelet.