page_title: Jewellery of Tamil Nadu
section_title: Jewellery for the hands
hierarchical_section_title: Jewellery of Tamil Nadu / Jewellery for the hands
caption_attribution_description: English: Jewellery of Tamil Nadu
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: Valayal or Sarivu, bangles made up of plain gold or gold with stones or gems.
  Kaikappu, bangles without designs known as Kappu
  Mothiram or Neli, finger ring.
  Vangi or Vanki, armband.
  Nagothu, Naga(snake) shape on vanki.
  Kanganam (armband)
  Tholvalai Kappu used in the shoulder to hold the sari.
  Nagar or Nagam, A cobra shaped ornament used the upper arms.
caption: Vangi
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