Indian Plaque Amulet Depicting Kali

A many-armed figure in mid-stride, ringed by beading and topped with two sturdy loops.

This plaque amulet depicting Kali is Hindu, from Rajasthan, India, in coin silver. Plaque amulets of rural Rajasthan and Gujarat are usually worn on a cord at the neck, and the image is believed to place the wearer under the deity's protection. Kali is shown with a radiant face and multiple arms holding weapons and implements, one leg lifted as if dancing, with a small animal at her feet. Two rows of beading frame the leaf-shaped plaque, with a pair of tube bails above. It is 2.75 inches high and 2 wide.

Every hand is occupied, and the silversmith clearly kept up.