Antique Silver Bazuband Upper Arm Bracelet – North India – 19th Century

An exceptional antique Bazuband, a traditional silver armlet designed to be worn on the upper arm.

This substantial example is made from high-grade tested silver and has a strongly curved architectural form. The surface is richly worked with hand-engraved and repoussé geometric decoration, while the central band features a particularly attractive openwork design bordered with twisted silver wire.

The bracelet is hollow and constructed from several carefully assembled silver elements. Two small rings on the inside were designed to receive a cord, allowing the Bazuband to be securely tied around the upper arm.

The tubular construction is particularly interesting. The ends may originally have been removable, potentially allowing a protective written scroll or other amuletic material to be inserted inside. This interpretation is consistent with the protective function traditionally associated with some Bazuband, although the original contents of this example are unknown.

A powerful piece of historic South Asian jewelry, remarkable for its weight, sculptural construction and dense hand-worked decoration.

Materials & Construction

• High-grade tested silver
• Hollow construction
• Repoussé and hand-engraved decoration
• Central pierced / openwork silver band
• Applied twisted-wire borders
• Rounded tubular terminals
• Two internal rings for securing the armlet with a cord
• Entirely handmade

Dimensions

Weight: 124 g
Width: 5 cm / 1.97 in
Largest inner diameter: 7 cm / 2.76 in

The pronounced curvature is intentional: this piece was designed to sit around the upper arm rather than the wrist.

Origin & Dating

North India
19th century

Bazuband armlets belong to a long tradition of upper-arm ornaments in the Indian subcontinent. Related forms and construction techniques were also encountered across neighboring regions of present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan.

A comparable example is documented in the Bir Collection.

Amuletic Function

The Bazuband was more than a decorative ornament. Upper-arm jewelry could also carry a protective or talismanic function.

The hollow construction of this example suggests that it may once have been intended to contain a protective scroll or amuletic material. The two internal rings allowed the bracelet to be secured to the arm with a cord.

The original contents, if any, have not survived.

Condition

Good antique condition with visible traces of age and prolonged use.

The silver shows surface wear, scratches, patination, small irregularities and areas of old soldering consistent with its handmade construction and age.

The tubular ends appear to be fixed today; they may originally have been removable.

Please examine the detailed photographs, which form an important part of the condition description.

Wearing & Display

Originally designed as an upper-arm bracelet, the Bazuband can still be worn in its traditional position, secured with a cord through the two internal rings.

Its sculptural curved form also allows it to be worn on the wrist as a striking statement cuff, depending on wrist size and personal preference.

Because of its age and substantial construction, it is equally compelling as a collector's piece of historic Indian jewelry and can be displayed as a sculptural object.

Reference

Bir Collection – comparable Bazuband documented in the collection literature.

Please note: The image showing the bracelet being worn was digitally generated for illustrative purposes, as no model was available for a live photograph.

• Dimensions: large inner diameter : 7 cm
• Weight: 124 g

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Antique & Vintage Condition:
These pieces have been previously worn and may show patina, surface wear, small scratches or other traces of age. Any significant condition issue is described in the product text and shown in the photographs.

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