This headdress is worn by women in the north-west Himalayan regions of India. It is composed of a strap of leather studded with semi-precious stones, such as lapis lazuli and turquoise. The shape is reminiscent of a rearing cobra ready to attack. It consists of a textile padded base, which is decorated with sewn-on turquoises, carnelians and kauri shells.
The perak traditionally symbolizes the rank and economic status of the woman who wears it. The jewels themselves represent the deities who protect the wearer and guide her through the dangerous human world.
The traditional Perak headdress worn by women in Ladakh is unique to the region. It can only be found outside Ladakh in the neighbouring region of Zanskar. The perak has thus become a kind of characteristic for the western Himalayan region.
As a Perak is traditionally passed on from mother to eldest daughter as a »family heirloom«, it is extremely rare to find them for sale in the relevant forums. The prices demanded are usually in the four-digit range.
Due to the attractiveness of peraks in conjunction with the very limited market, they are also offered on the market today in newly manufactured form. The turquoise for these new peraks has not been collected for years as is the case with authentic pieces. In more recently produced peraks, turquoises that are currently available are used. These are usually very similar stones that essentially only differ in size. They are often additionally polished.
The authenticity of this headdress is proven by the different sizes, colors and shapes of the turquoises used.
Two black lambswool earflaps are attached to this main part. They are called »saru« in the Ladakhi language and are intended to protect the ears. Six strands of braided yak hair are sewn to the underside of each of these flaps. They are tied into a knot behind the wearer's back.
The perak is in very good condition. All the stones appear to be original to this perak, none are missing. In addition to the numerous turquoises, the perak is adorned with 10 set carnelians. There are 46 kauri shells attached to the lower end of the perak. They come from the Indian Ocean and were considered particularly valuable in Ladakh due to the long trade route from the south.
The last five photos were taken on a trip to Zanskar in 1984 and show how common the perak was among women in the region at that time.
You Tube Video - The Art Institut of Chicago [4:20]: Dressing up in Ladakh
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurements: | 28 x 14.8" | 71 x 37.5 cm |
| Price: | on request |
| Weight: | 3.1 lbs | 1.4 kg |
| Age: | late 19th / early 20th cent. |
| High resolution: | Display [0.6 MB, 1793 x 3658 px.] |
