Under the popular museum series ‘Exhibit of the Month’ of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, a traditional object is displayed in the appearance for a whole month.
The exhibit for the month of February, 2018 is ‘Jevar’ (an ornament of Himachali women). Prof Sarit Kumar Chaudhuri, (Director, IGRMS) inaugurated the exhibit of the month at Veethi Sankul indoor exhibition building. On this occasion traditional artists from Manipur were also present. This exhibit of the month has been collected and compiled by RM Nayal, Assistant Keeper.
Silver ornaments in Himalaya belt is mainly consisted of silver, as gold has been a rare and precious metal. There are ornaments which are meant for special occasions while some of the others are for daily use. The love of Himanchali women for ornaments is well known. It is a symbol of her status; it is called Stree Dhan and a symbol of Suhag (married bliss) The women, of course wear ornaments profusely and during the festival of marriage they bring out all their ornaments and decorate themselves from head to toe. She will never accept parting from them. It is only in case of death, when she doesn't wear any ornaments.
Main Ornaments and Ornamentation of Himachali women are Murkhuli- the main ear ornament is an ear ring with beautiful decorative work done on it. The ear ring is made of a moulded silver coil around which a thin silver wire runs in spiral form. It is normally worn on lobes of the ears. Mala- Mala is a cresicent shaped necklace. It has no loose parts and is made out of broad silver sheet. Its two ends are shaped in the form of a round knob. The central portion of mala is comparatively thick. Chatta- The main ornament for forehead is Chatta. It has central pendent in trangular shape provided with small giggling bells attached to its lower parts.