Indian Plaque Amulet Depicting Vishnupadaka

Two small footprints under a parasol, attended by a pair of birds.

This plaque amulet depicting Vishnupadaka is Hindu, from Rajasthan, India, made of coin silver. Vishnupada, the footprints of Vishnu, are widely venerated in Hindu devotion as a sign of the god's presence, and village silversmiths in Rajasthan made small plaques like this to be worn. Under a domed canopy, two stylized feet stand side by side, flanked by peacocks and small vessels. Beaded borders and flower-shaped rosettes frame the house-shaped plaque, and a ribbed loop rises from the peak. It is 1.25 inches long and 1.75 high.

Small enough to wear, sincere enough to matter.