Ladakh is
the northernmost state of the India. It lies between the Kunlun mountain
range in the north and the main Great Himalayas to the south and is
inhabited by peopleIndo-Aryan and Tibetan decent. It is one of the
most sparsely populated regionsJammu and Kashmir. Ladakh is renowned for its
remote mountain beauty and culture. It is sometimes called "Little
Tibet" as it has been strongly influencedby Tibetan culture.
In
the 13th century a Buddhist sect of « yellow hats » settled in Ladakh
and created ceremonial headdresses and ornaments that have been preserved due
to the community’s relative isolation.
The
set of jewelry (tiara and necklaces as well as other ornaments) worn by the
Lama Buddhist monks are unique and richly decorated with semi-precious stones
such as turquoise, cornelian, and coral, which cannot be found in these regions
but are brought by the Newaris merchants from the valley of Katmandu.
The
Perak, a felt headdress originally worn by the women from Ladakh, is composed
of a strap of leather and felt studded with semi-preciouse stones.
The Perak reflects the rank and economic status of the woman wearing
it. Traditionally, the number of front-to-back rows of turquoise signified the
status of the wearer: nine rows for the queen of Leh, the Ladakh capital,
seven rows for the more modern aristocracy, five for the marvels and
three for the lower ranks.
The
semi-precious stones are representative of the Ladakh deities, protecting and
guiding the wearer through the dangerous human world. Turquoise is important
also in that it can be used as a trade item.
1. Bonnet 2. Chest Ornament 3. Crown
4. Wrist Ornaments 5. High Priest Chest Ornament 6. High Priest Crown