Kachchh Silver Spiral Dowry Torque

This necklace or torque of continuous wound and wrapped silver wire was worn in the Kachchh region of Gujarat by Vaishnaivite Hindu Meghval women, Mutra Muslim women, and Hindu Rabari rural women and Harijan women, according to Untracht (1997, p. 229) who illustrates a similar, though less elaborate, example.

The example here is of high-grade silver. It is heavy in the hand.

The torque opens at the front – it springs open, and then closes with a latch and hook mechanism. This makes is relatively easy to get on and off. It is wearable in a contemporary setting.

Such an item usually was given to a bride-to-be as a dowry gift either by her father or prospective father-in-law.

The torque is wearable and and in fine condition.