Description
Antique Tibetan Cap
12" Wide
ML20.70
Ladakh Headdresses and Ornaments
Ladakh is the northernmost state of the Republic of India. It lies between the
Kunlun mountain range in the north and the main Great Himalayas to the
south and is inhabited by people of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan decent. It is one
of the most sparsely populated regions in Jammu and Kashmir. Ladakh is
renowned for its remote mountain beauty and culture. It is sometimes called
"Little Tibet" as it has been strongly influenced by Tibetan culture.
In the 13th century a Buddhist sect of « yellow hats » settled in Ladakh and
created ceremonial headdresses and ornaments that have been preserved due
to the community’s relative isolation.
The set of jewelry (tiara and necklaces as well as other ornaments) worn by
the Lama Buddhist monks are unique and richly decorated with semi-precious
stones such as turquoise, cornelian, and coral, which cannot be found in these
regions but are brought by the Newaris merchants from the valley of
Katmandu.
The Perak, a felt headdress originally worn by the women from Ladakh, is
composed of a strap of leather and felt studded with semi-precious stones. The
Perak reflects the rank and economic status of the woman wearing it.
Traditionally, the number of front-to-back rows of turquoise signified the
status of the wearer: nine rows for the queen of Leh, the Ladakh capital, seven
rows for the more modern aristocracy, five for the marvels and three for the
lower ranks.
The semi-precious stones are representative of the Ladakh deities, protecting
and guiding the wearer through the dangerous human world. Turquoise is
important also in that it can be used as a trade item.
$2995.00 USD
Plus Shipping
