19th C. Indian Bronze Jewelry Pendant Molds | Durga with Trident

South Asia, India, probably Rajasthan. A pair of miniature bronze plaque moulds, used to form devotional jewelry pendants. Each one has the gabled, shrine-like outline typical of this kind of amulet. The larger mould shows a four-armed deity seated cross-legged. The figure wears a tiered crown and holds attributes that include a sword and a trident. A beaded double border frames the scene. The smaller mould shows a warrior on horseback, set inside a cusped niche. This was a favorite image in regional devotion, where mounted heroes were honored as protectors. Pendants made from these moulds were probably worn for personal protection and as signs of devotion. In Rajasthan and the neighboring regions of western India, small metal plaques showing gods and deified heroes were long worn as amulets, often strung at the neck. Mounted figures are especially common. The image usually stands for a local hero-deity, such as Pabuji, Ramdevji, or Tejaji, who were warriors remembered as protectors of cattle, villages, and the faithful. Village metalsmiths and jewelers used reusable moulds or dies like these to turn out matching pendants for worshippers in silver or base metal. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. Item # 205863

Estimate:$100

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