page_title: Jewellery of Tamil Nadu
section_title: Jewellery for feet
hierarchical_section_title: Jewellery of Tamil Nadu / Jewellery for feet
caption_attribution_description: English: Groom wearing Metti to the bride
context_page_description: Tamil people have historically been connoisseurs of fine golden jewellery, which has a history predating the Sangam period in the Indian subcontinent. Ancient Tamil literature lists out the different types of jewellery worn by women historically from head to toe. Apart from gold, jewellery was also fashioned out of silver, copper and brass.
  Tamil annai is praised by ornamenting her with The Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature.
  சிரமதில் திகழ்வது சீவக சிந்தாமணி -
  செவிகளில் மிளிர்வது குண்டலகேசி -
  திருவே நின் இடையணி மணிமேகலையாம் -
  கரமதில் மின்னுவது வளையாபதியாம் -
  கால் தனில் ஒலிப்பது சிலப்பதிகாரம் -
  கண் கண்ட ஐம்பெரும் காவியத்திலகமே
  Tamil people follow the tradition of decorating Hindu deities with gold ornaments that continue to be followed today in Hindu temples across the state. The deities are decorated with jewels and before going out for a procession, temple priests stand the deity in front of a mirror to show them their image. Such temple jewellery is typically inlaid with diamonds and many other kinds of precious gems, not only gold but also silver ornaments. However, gold was, and continues to be considered the most precious and auspicious metal of all.
context_section_description: Silver ornaments wore below the waist are listed below
  Silambu, ring shaped anklet, like hollow pipe that used to contain precious stones, silver balls, pearl or coral beads. The Sangam literature 'Silapathikaram' named after silambu.
  Sathangai or Salangai, a series of small silver bells and worn in the anklet, used by classical dancers like Bharathanatyam dancers. Listed out in Sangam literature 'Silapathikaram'.
  Metti or Minji or Peeli, grooms place it on the bride's second finger from toe during wedding.
  Kolusu (Anklet) made in silver with varieties of shape and design.
  Thandai or Patharasam, same as Silambu but heavy.
  Kaappu (Plain anklets)
  Padakkam, listed out in Sangam literature 'Silapathikaram'.
caption: Metti or Minji ritual during Tamil wedding
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