Donor: Gool H. Wadia / Function: 5.3 Objects relating to the Secular and Quasi-religious Rites, Pageants, and Drama - Hearst Museum Portal Search Results

Start Over Donor Gool H. Wadia Function 5.3 Objects relating to the Secular and Quasi-religious Rites, Pageants, and Drama

Hearst Museum object titled Bracelet, accession number 9-12083, described as Bangle/ "Chittal" ; pressed glass, layered; inner layer red, outer layer clear with raised hexagonal patter; diameter 5.8 cm,. width 0.7 cm. Traditionally worn by Parsi brides during the marriage ceremony, often worn for the rest of their married lives. As with Hindus, glass bangles are discarded or broken in widowhood. Bangles from Czechoslovakia were highly valued by Parsis because of their color and quality.

Hearst Museum object titled Bracelet, accession number 9-12084a,b, described as Bangle/ "Chittal"; identical pair; opalescent white glass; diameter 6.5 cm, width 0.5 cm. Worn traditionally by Parsi women on the first new moon (Handraj) after their engagement or wedding. Probably worn one on each wrist. Although Czechoslovakian bangles were more highly regarded than Indian, the Ferozepur bangles, sold by itinerant merchants were though to be better than most.

Hearst Museum object titled Bracelet, accession number 9-12082a,b, described as Bangle/ "Chittal"; pair, slight variation; red pressed glass; a) has raised pattern of connected lozenges; b) has raised hexagaonl patter; a) diameter 6.2 cm, width 1 cm, b) diameter is 6.4 cm width 1 cm. Traditionally worn by young Parsi girls at the time of their engagement and or marriage ceremony, one on each hand. These specimens were donated as a pair, having been worn as such by donor. Bohemian glass bangles were highly valued by Parsis because of their color and quality.

Hearst Museum object titled Sweat wiper, accession number 9-12081, described as Sweat wiper; Parsi nupital; pentagonal folds of cream-coloured crepe silk sewn on three sides, suspended around neck by a narrow band of the same material; L. (including band) 55 cm., W. 29 cm. Made by women at home. Formerly worn around the neck (and tucked into the blouse) by some Parsi brides as part of a ritual in which the newly married woman wipes her husband's brow just after the ceremony in a gesture of wifely devotion. This was believed to ensure fidelity. This specimen was used by the donor herself in 1932. Collector's other informants believe this to be a rare and currently obsolete custom.