Nepalese or Tibetan Repoussé High-Grade Silver Charm with Ganesha Imagery
Jewelry (Charm / Amulet) · Newari or Himalayan Silversmith, likely small workshop or family-run atelier in Kathmandu Valley or Ladakh; unsigned, reflecting traditional craft over commercial branding.
Pattern: Traditional Himalayan Buddhist/Hindu Iconography; specifically an abstract Ganesha or 'Elephant God' profile used for protection and obstacles' removal.
Type
Jewelry (Charm / Amulet)
Maker
Newari or Himalayan Silversmith, likely small workshop or family-run atelier in Kathmandu Valley or Ladakh; unsigned, reflecting traditional craft over commercial branding.
Material
High-grade silver (estimably .800-.950 purity), likely mixed with small amounts of copper. Metal exhibits a typical provincial alloy characteristic of the Himalayan region.
Dimensions
Diameter approximately 1.5 cm - 2 cm; estimated weight 3 to 5 grams. Small, disc-like form with a functional suspension hole.
Description
A rustic and spiritually significant silver disc charm featuring a stylized profile of Ganesha. The metal glows with a deep, warm patina characteristic of coin-grade silver that has been handled frequently. The abstract nature of the repoussé work suggests a village-level production where the spiritual intent of the icon takes precedence over anatomical precision, resulting in a charming, folk-art aesthetic.
Key Features
Hand-hammered high relief; abstract trunk and headdress; pierced for suspension; distinctive heavy oxidation in the recessed areas (niello-like contrast).
Material & Composition
High-grade silver (estimably .800-.950 purity), likely mixed with small amounts of copper. Metal exhibits a typical provincial alloy characteristic of the Himalayan region.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and hand-chased finish with high-relief repoussé work. Texture is organic and irregular, featuring a seated deity profile with a distinctive trunk and crown/halo motif.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No formal hallmarks present; typical of ethnic and tribal silver from Nepal or Tibet which relies on visual testing and reputation of the smith rather than assay marks.
Construction Details
Hand-hammered and punched (repoussé) from a flat silver sheet; suspension hole is hand-drilled. The edges show signs of manual filing and soft wear.
Functional Features
Single drilled suspension hole at the top (displacing part of the design) for use as a pendant or attachment to a prayer bead (mala) strand or tassel.
Handle & Grip Details
None; however, the green the orange textile cords signify its use as a wearable talisman tied within a larger jewelry or prayer ensemble.
Craftsmanship Details
Naïve but skilled hand-wrought craftsmanship; the smith successfully utilized the displacement of metal to create volume without thinning the sheet to the point of breaking.
Authentication Indicators
Irregularity of the disc shape; visible chisel marks in the depth of the design; absence of machine-striking marks; appropriate 'soft' feel of high-purity silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Nepal (potentially Patan/Kathmandu) or Northern India (Ladakh); hand-wrought in accordance with Newari metalworking traditions.
Era & Period
Modern Ethnic / Traditional Craft (20th Century); maintains Medieval Himalayan design ethics used for centuries in Buddhist and Hindu metalwork.
Age Estimate
Mid-to-late 20th Century (Circa 1960-1990); based on the wear patterns and the type of cordage used in the surrounding assembly.
Cultural Significance
Represents the fusion of Hindu and Buddhist iconography in the Himalayas; Ganesha is revered in both traditions as a bringer of good fortune and the lord of beginnings.
Condition Notes
Very Good; significant surface wear consistent with contact with skin and beads; natural sulfide tarnish (patina); the suspension hole is slightly worn oval from friction.
Value Estimate
$25 - $60 USD; value is primarily in the cultural hand-craft and religious significance rather than the raw metal weight.
Care & Maintenance
Do not over-polish; the dark oxidation in the crevices provides the design its depth. Clean gently with a soft cotton cloth and mild moisture if necessary.
Similar Pieces
Tibetan 'Ga’u' (Amulet boxes) or Indian 'Panchayatana' charms; however, this piece is simpler, focusing on a single-sided repoussé image.
Interesting Facts
In Himalayan culture, such silver charms are often repurposed from old silver coins or cast-off jewelry to create talismans that travel with the wearer for a lifetime.