Gold Nose Ring
Artist/Culture
Central Indian
Dateearly 19th century
Mediumgold set with rubies and emeralds
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineMrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection
Object number1924.130
DescriptionFrom Maharasta, Central IndiaLabel TextThe nose ring was introduced to India by Muslims between the 8th and 12th centuries. The Sanskrit term for nose-ring, nath, means "lord" or "husband," and in Hindi it means a rope passed through a draft animal's nose. Considered an essential ornament for married women in many parts of India, nose rings are usually worn in the left nostril. Women from some areas wear them in both nostrils or through the septum. According to popular belief, the left nostril is linked with a woman's reproductive organs, and the nose ring aided a woman's fertility and childbirth.ProvenanceMrs. Kingsmill Marrs, Boston, MA
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