Pendant (padakkam)

The pendant (padakkam) featuring a pair of tiger claws encased in gold with beaded outline is attached to the bottom of a pendant of cusped arch form made from sheet gold decorated in repoussé with a kirtimukha - a mythical monster resembling a lion, set amidst profuse foliage and a border of cabochon rubies. Between the two claws a bead is suspended and the pendant is strung on a necklace of ribbed gold beads, black and yellow glass beads and wooden beads. This pendant combines the powerful amuletic properties of the tiger’s claws and the kirtimukha to deflect evil and bestow protection on the wearer.