Mughal Parcel-Gilt Silver Bazuband

This fine arm band or bazuband is of hammered silver that is parcel-gilt (partly plated in gold). It comprises three sections hinged together, including a central octagonal medallion which opens from the back so it can serve as an amulet box to hold protective Koranic talismans. It is flanked by two hinged bud-like elements each which terminates with an eyelet to allow the bazuband to be threaded onto cords that can then be tied around the upper arm.

The bazuband dates to the eighteenth century and possibly earlier. Most probably it would have been worn by an aristocratic warrior. Bazubands in this three-sectioned form are typical of northern India. The famous Koh-i-Nor diamond was at one stage set into a bazuband of this form.

The bazuband has its own custom-made stand for display. It is stable and wearable too and could be worn lengthwise as a pendant.