Kaldiya: from Lahruben Tramta

Content Description

This accession consists of a pair of silver bracelets known as kaldiya. These traditional silver bracelets, worn by Maldhari women during weddings and ceremonial occasions, are an example of the community's connection to their pastoralist lifestyle and the grasslands they inhabit. Crafted from silver, the bracelets feature a rectangular enamelled panel adorned with bird motifs of stylized peacocks or parrots, surrounded by floral designs. The birds are rendered in vivid blue, green, and red, colors. The tiny silver bells hanging from the panels produce a gentle jingling sound when worn, which are similar to the soundscape of grazing animals whose bells signal movement across the landscape. Silver is a common metal in pastoral communities, valued for its durability, and investment value. It is often passed down generations and worn not just for beauty but as portable wealth.

Condition Description

The condition of the pair of bracelets is good. They are made of silver and are ten years old.The object will be later transferred to the Maldhari Collection.

Accession Date

2025-04-29

Dispostion

The digitized version of this object will be moved into Archives at NCBS after digitizing.

Acquisition Type

Loan

Provenance

The pair of bracelets was shown to Govindbhai Tramta, employee of Conservation indica on 29th April 2025 by Lahruben Tramta of Reshamiya village, Chotila. Govindbhai has thus far photographed it. After learning the process of digitization, the team will re-photograph it and digitize it to upload on Archives at NCBS.

Retention Rule

The artefact is of archival value as it shows close ties between pastoral identity, material culture, and their environment. The physical material is currently on loan from donor Lakhruben to Conservation indica. The document will be under Conservation indica's custody as a loan until its digitization, by June-July, after which it will be passed down to its owner. The digitized copies will be housed at NCBS and Conservation indica. Conservation indica plans to keep a copy of the digitized document for further consultation by local communities and researchers in the future.

Language of Description

English

Script of Description

Latin

Restrictions Apply

Yes

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for access unless mentioned in specific folders of the finding aid.

Use Restrictions

Copyright may not have been assigned to Archives at NCBS. Permission for reproduction or distribution must be obtained in writing from the Archives at NCBS (archives@ncbs.res.in). See access guidelines for more information (https://archives.ncbs.res.in/access). The Archives at NCBS makes no representation that it is the copyright owner in all of its collections. The user must obtain all necessary rights and clearances before use of material and material may only be reproduced for academic and non-commercial use.