Archive Ref: GNMC-ART-023
Century-Old 6-Strand Brass & Silver Alloy Tribal Ceremonial Waistband (Kardhani)
Rare century-old 6-chain tribal ceremonial girdle with engraved medallion clasp (L 30 in / 76 cm, Wt 420 g)
Century-old authentic traditional tribal lady's 6-line waistband (Kardhani / Kamarband / Mehkala), masterfully crafted from a durable alloy mix of brass and silver. Features six parallel interwoven curb-chain strands stabilized by engraved chevron and herringbone spacer bars, secured with a heavy tubular pin-barrel hinge clasp adorned with an authentic relief coin medallion. Historically worn by tribal women of Odisha and eastern India during weddings, festivals, and ceremonial dances as a symbol of dignity, prosperity, and cultural prestige. Heavy, rare, and extinct heirloom specimen.
Period
Early 20th Century (~100 years)
Provenance
Odisha & Eastern India tribal heirloom adornment craft
Curator's Condition Assessment
Exceptional century-old tribal patina. All 6 chain strands, incised spacer bars, screw-pin barrel clasp, and coin medallion intact. Rare and extinct.
