From the Land of the Rajas: Creativity in Rajasthan

From the Land of the Rajas:

Creativity in Rajasthan

Amulets

Amulets are protective devices. They may be positive, attracting good forces (such as divinities, peace and prosperity, fertility, children), or negative, repelling evil forces (such as disease, the evil eye, or sorcery). Often worn during rites of passage (birth, naming, boy’s initiation into Brahmin caste, finishing of religious studies, and wedding), amulets are regarded as appeals to a deity to dispense his/her protective powers on the worshipper. Although an amulet may be hidden, it is more often exposed and is usually worn around the neck. Amulets may also guard vulnerable spots on the body, especially openings.

Amulets come in several basic forms and shapes, made of natural or artificial materials. Some are made of gold, but silver is most common; they also come in copper and brass. Featured here are Hindu plaque amulets, made of metal, with a design of a god. Especially popular among rural people of Rajasthan and Gujarat, they typically show the deity, often on his vehicle, or just a symbol.

Kalbeliya woman wearing amulets
Photo by Shalini Ayyagari, near Jodhpur, 2005–06

Puppets

Henna prints

Religious Paintings