Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c8.169

v1.c8.169

be made of a thin sheet of gold in imitation of the leaf. This form of golden ear-ornament is known, rightly indeed, by the name of *patra-kuṇḍala* (see Pl. IV, fig. 15). Its Tamil name *ōlai* is interesting in this connection. Again conch shells were extensively employed in making ornaments for the ear as well as the forearm. When the shell is cut cross-wise, it produces a spiral ring which may be thrust into the distended ear-lobe. This *kuṇḍala* is called the *śaṅkha-patra* (see Pl. IV, fig. 16). A jewelled circular ear-ring is called a *ratna-kuṇḍala* (see Pl. IV, fig. 17). Ear-ornaments made in the form of the mythical *makara* and in the form of a cobra are called respectively the *makara-kuṇḍala* and the *sarpa-kuṇḍalas* (see Pl. IV, figs. 18 and 19).