Antique Tribal Torque Necklace (Hansuli)

Solid (thos) chiselled torc necklace, called either hasli or hansuli. North west India, most likely Gujarat. Coin silver (low silver content), solid rather than hollow. 19th century.

After casting, the piece has been chiselled and incised with a pattern of geometric  lines, dots and spheres. The ends are curled and terminate with bud or bird-head shapes.

The piece shows wear and softening commensurate with its age.

Torcs such as these are worn in rural Rajasthan. Similar ornaments may be found in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. They are often worn by boys and young men, however it is not unusual to see women wearing them along with other forms of ornamentation. This is particularly typical of women of the fishing villages of the north west of India.

Hansuli derives from the word for collarbone, where this type of rigid neck ring typically sits.

Measurements:Internal widest point 16 cm, width of opening 7 cm. Weight 260g

References

• Leurquin, A., A World of Necklaces: Africa, Asia, Oceania, America from the Ghysels Collection, Skira, 2003.
• Hoek, C.et al, Ethnic Jewellery: From Africa, Asia and Pacific Islands, Pepin Press, 2004.
• Untracht, O. Traditional Jewelry of India, Thames & Hudson, 1997.