http://collection.shangrilahawaii.org/internal/media/dispatcher/44127/fullGem-Inset Gold Nagaraja (Snake King) Hair Ornament19th centuryOverall: 3 x 2 1/2 in. (7.6 x 6.4cm)Gold, diamonds, emeralds, rubiesGift of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Courtesy of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.57.681This jewel-encrusted serpent is part of a jadainagam (or “hair-snake”). This type of hair ornament decorates a woman’s braid, or plait, and was worn by brides and Bharatnatyam dancers in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The now-missing upper portion of the ornament representing the sun and moon would have affixed to the back of the wearer’s head. The serpent ornament (nagar) would have been fastened to the nape of her neck, followed by a long, jeweled ornament (jadai) running down the length of her braid and ending in a tassel (kunjalam).Jewelry6.35000000007.62000000000E-101647654998