Indian Plaque Amulet Depicting Upside-Down Deity

Shield-shaped, with a pointed bottom and a figure crowded into the narrow end.

This coin silver plaque amulet depicting an upside-down deity is Hindu, from Rajasthan, India. Hindu imagery follows well-established conventions, so a figure shown upside down is a notable choice whose meaning varies with the deity and the tradition of the maker. Shield or arrow-shaped plaque with a flat top, a sharp point below and a tall narrow loop. A leafy-crowned figure with rounded bulges takes up the middle, with ring-tipped stalks on either side. The relief is raised and slightly crumpled. It is 0.5 inches long and 0.75 high.

Pointy, crowded and entirely sure of itself.