Pair of Tribal Cuffs from Rajasthan, India

Can you put a price on happiness?

Imagine a family of little discernible wealth banding together to buy one child an array of impossibly expensive, valuable jewelry. One piece might set them back an entire year’s income – or more – but a lavish collection might take a lifetime to acquire. In modern society just about every economic advisor would lose patience, ridicule the family, and tell them they were completely irresponsible. Yet, in 19th century rural India where scarcity was a way of life, this type of sacrifice was normal because nothing was more important than a daughter’s dowry.

At an astonishing 12.6 ounces of silver, these cuffs were part of a valuable dowry in 19th. C India

This week’s New Arrival features a pair of antique silver cuffs from Rajasthan, India. Back then, jewelry made of precious metals was created as wearable adornment and a means of storing and conveying wealth. Although these cuffs look like they were made for Wonder Woman rather than a rural village woman; look further. Their points were inspired by weaponry of the day, specifically spiked mace heads. Their weight – 357 grams – certainly meant the wearer had wealth, but their form made it clear she could defend whatever was held most precious.

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