A pair of antique Tibetan aykhor- ear pendants measuring 6-1/2” or 17cm in length and weighing a total of 266 grams. This pair is especially unique, constructed of solid silver and antique Tibetan turquoise with a degree of sophistication not generally seen in Tibetan silver jewelry.
Jewelry is associated with social class and is a status symbol. In ancient Tibet, certain jewelry pieces were sought after by the cast of officials, noble and wealthy families. Wearing those jewelry pieces in ancient Tibet was not just for pleasure, but a moral and institutional duty that was regulated by the government. This would result at times in the imposition of sanctions and ridicule for officials who resorted to paying large sums to wear them and to let their women wear them.
Ear pendants were worn by women from aristocratic families in Lhasa. These ear pendants - “aykor “with turquoise as the main stone were set in metal. The higher the rank of the official, the more elaborate were the ear pieces- with silver, gold , turquoise, coral and other stones. As these pendants became bigger and more elaborate, they were too heavy to be worn from the ears and had to be worn near the ears as if they were earrings. Typically they were suspended from the women’s headdress, or hung over the ear.
