Indian Plaque Amulet Depicting Lion

Shaggy-faced creature stares out from a small oval disc with a dot above.

This plaque amulet depicting a lion is Hindu, from Rajasthan, India. It is coin silver. Animal figures on amulets are generally chosen for the qualities they are thought to carry, such as courage, protection and vigilance. Overall, a narrow oval pendant with a beaded border and a plain tapering loop. The animal faces forward with a bearded, rayed mane and standing legs. A small round boss sits between the loop and the figure. The surface is soft gray. It is 0.5 inches long and 0.75 high.

Looks straight at the viewer without a hint of embarrassment.