Tiger Claw Necklace
India, c. 1865
In
Nineteenth Century India, a tiger’s claws were considered to be
powerful charms against evil. They were frequently used as amulets.
Visitors to India, especially the British, found this custom charming
and started to bring tiger claw amulets back to Britain as souvenirs. By
the middle of the century, with a growing market, makers of tiger claw
charms branched out into more elaborate pieces such as this one.
It
was clearly made for the British market. The design is very similar to
the shape and form of European jewelry. This particular necklace was
exhibited at the Paris International Exhibition in 1867. Ten tiger claws
of graded size have been set in engraved gold. The claws are linked by
chains and the whole piece hangs from a gold snake.
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