Nose-jewel

Traditional Tamil women double nostril piercing in Tamil Nadu, India.

A nose-jewel is a piece of jewelry that was worn on a nose.

In the Bible, nose-jewels are mentioned in Isaiah 3:21, and referred to in Ezekiel 16:12, Genesis 24:47, Proverbs 11:22, and Hosea 2:13. They were among the most valued of female ornaments. They were made of ivory or metal, occasionally jewelled, more than an inch in diameter, and hung upon the mouth. Eliezer gave one to Rebekah which was gold and weighed half a shekel.

During any South Asian wedding the bride will always wear a large nose ornament called the 'Koka' which hangs from the nose and has a chain to the side of the head. It tied to the hair with a pin and has gem stones and pearls. The 'koka' is ring shaped and is specially fitted to hang over the lip of the wearer.

At the present day, the women in various parts of the world, especially East Asia wear these ornaments, attached through a piercing on the side of the nostril. Small gems or studs carried on a piercing have become fashionable for (mostly) young women in the West in recent years.

In India

Double nose gems are common amongst South Indian, Pasthun, Punjabi, Rajastani and Nepali ethnic groups. These are called 'nathori' and were depicted over 5,000 years ago through Goddess Parvati and Lord Krishna. In Maharashtra women wear one large nathori covering the side of the face. Bengali women prefer the septum piercing showing a sign of marriage.

Nose ring, called nath (Hindi: नथ, IPA: [nt̪ʰ]) in various Indian languages, became popular in 9th and 10th century and became part of various symbols of marital status of women. It also showcased economic status; wives of kings, ministers and wealthy families wearing nath made of pearls, sapphire and kundan while others wearing those made in silver. Towards 15th century, the ornament became quite popular and saw variations of using clove, thorns, nails during 17th-18th century. Modern nose rings with contemporary materials and designs came in 20th century.[1]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Shanti Kumar Syal (2005). Pragatiśīla nārī (in Hindi). Delhi, India: Atmaram & Sons. p. 171. ISBN 9788170436478.
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