Anklet
An anklet, also called ankle chain, ankle bracelet or ankle string, is an ornament worn around the ankle.[1] Ancient egyptian women were the first to were anklets according to history. Barefoot anklets and
Occasionally, anklets on both ankles are joined by a chain to limit the step. This practice was once prevalent in Southeast Asia, where the effect was to give a "feminine" short tripping step. Today, a few Western women follow this practice, but rarely in public. More rarely still, some people wear "permanent" (e.g., soldered) ankle chains and even connecting chains.
History
Egypt
Anklets were worn as an everyday ornament by Egyptian women of all social classes in
In the early–20th century, anklets were commonly worn by Egyptian women of inner cities. They were called kholkhal (pl. khalakheel) and were most commonly worn by women of Alexandria, along with a traditional dress covered by a one-piece black cloth called melaya leff.
Today, anklets are not commonly worn by Egyptian women in public due to increased Islamic conservatism that has spread in Egypt where wearing anklets in public is generally perceived as being immodest. Anklets are still commonly worn by dancers in public events.
Europe
Bronze anklets are visible as early as the Bronze Age in temperate Europe, in an area roughly along the Danube, in the Alpine foreland, up the Rhine to the Atlantic, and also down the Rhône (Sherratt, 2001). These were found among hoards in these areas, along with other bronze items characteristic of this time (c. 1800 BCE onwards), and are attributable to the Tumulus culture that spread across this region.
Periscelis (
South Asia
Neolithic and chalcolithic periods at Mehrgarh indicate use of anklets.
Rajasthani women wear the heaviest type of anklets, which are silver and signify tribal adherence. The women wear these as costume jewelry, but also to show their bravery as a tribe against other rival tribes. The fashion for heavy anklets is declining in India, but is still common in rural areas.
In the eastern Indian state of Odisha, which is known for its traditional jewelry, there are varieties of anklets known as Paunji Nupur, which are worn by women. Another variety, which covers the entire foot, is known as Padapadma. In ancient times men also wore anklets. Traditionally, only Kshatriya (royal/warrior caste) persons can wear gold anklets, and other castes wear silver anklets.
The word "Payal" (payalak) and "Jhanjar" are words for the anklet in Hindi and Punjabi respectively.
In Bengali language anklet is called "nupur" and widely worn in the Bengal region – eastern Indian state of West Bengal and Republic of Bangladesh.
In Eastern cultures, particularly India, anklets are worn on either or both ankles.[7]
Sri Lanka
The dancers wear anklets. Anklets are worn on both ankles.[8]
As an ornament
Anklets can be made of silver, gold, and other less precious metals as well as leather, plastic, nylon and other such materials.
Metal anklets are of two types: "flexible" and "inflexible". Flexible anklets, often called paayal, pajeb or jhanjhar in
Bells
Salangai or
dancers tie around their ankles.-
A dancer performing an Indian classical dance: Odissi
-
A pair of ghungroo, a musical accessory
-
Kathak Solo Performance
-
A set of Ghungru, with small bells
Other anklets
See also
- Ankle monitor
- Bangle
References
- ^ "Merriam-Webster Dictionary".
- ^ Wilkinson, Alix (1971). Ancient Egyptian Jewellery. Great Britain: Taylor & Francis. p. 28.
- ^ Harry Thurston Peck, Harpers Dictionary of Classical Antiquities (1898), Periscelis
- ^ A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities (1890), Periscelis
- ^ KENOYER, J.M. "ORNAMENT STYLES OF THE INDUS VALLEY TRADITION EVIDENCE FROM RECENT EXCAVATIONS AT HARAPPA, PAKISTAN". Paléorient. 17/2.
- ISBN 978-8120611795.
- ^ "Ankle Bracelet Etiquette: Avoid a Fashion Faux Pas | LoveToKnow".
- ^ Karunaratne, Priyanka (2017). Art and tradition of Sri Lanka - Vol 11: Dance of Sri Lanka. Sri lanka: S. Godage & Brothers (Pvt) Ltd.