FAMILY JEWELS: INDIAN ADORNMENT REVEALED

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INTRODUCTION

A Thali is a plain gold necklace with one or more pendants. The kaluthiru is the marriage necklace of the Nattukottai Chettiar community of Tamil Nadu. Made of gold, the necklace features one or more pendants with four or five sharp spikes. In weddings, the groom would tie this necklace around the bride's neck after the exchange of vows.

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DESIGN

Made of plain gold, the necklace features one or more pendants with four sharp spikes.

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OTHER NAMES

The Kaluthiru thali is also known as Kazhuththu Uru, Kali Tiru and Kalu Thiru.

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ETYMOLOGY

Thali a Sanskrit word is derived from the term for palmyra palm (thala or talipet). The name Kaluthiru, a type of thali is derived from kaluthu (meaning neck) and uru (meaning bead).

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DESIGN

Made of plain gold, the necklace features one or more pendants with four or five sharp spikes. This type of necklaces usually comprises 35 pieces which are strung by 21 lengths of twisted strings, covered with turmeric. The central pendant, also called ethanam, has four sharp spikes representing the four vedas of knowledge.

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ORIGIN

Thali makes reference to the ancient custom of tying strips of palm leaf around the neck of a married woman in indication of her married status.

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SIGNIFICANCE

In weddings, the groom would tie this necklace around the bride's neck after the exchange of vows. It has also been worn as a protective amulet by the bride and a symbol of a groom's responsibility towards the family's well-being. Present day narratives have increasingly contested the value of these types of necklaces, as symbols of patriarchy.

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WORN BY

"This large-sized thali is used exclusively by the Nagarathar or Nattukottai Chettiar community of Tamil Nadu. And the kalithuru is a ceremonial thali that is worn during the wedding and special occasions. "

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MOTIFS & SIGNIFICANCE

"The obverse is of an elongated shape with floral, spherical and cylindrical elements while the reverse is with the image of Lakshmi seated on a lotus throne against an intricate floriated ground, surrounded by apsara or mythical female beings on the top. Incorporated in the pendant is an image of Subrahmanya standing with his parents, Shiva and Parvati, who are seated on a nandi (bull). In weddings, the groom would tie this necklace around the bride's neck after the exchange of vows. "

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