A JEWELL OF HINDU BIRTH
A bangle is a rigid type of bracelet, originally worn by men and women of India and subsequently adopted by anyone who aims for an Indian, or plain “oriental” touch in their wardrobe. The Dutch born dancer, seductress and alleged spy Margaretha Geertruida Zelle, better known by her stage name of Mata Hari might have been one of the first Western women to wear bangles.
Apart from being connected to the cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent, bangle bracelets can also be seen in Southeastern Asia as well as Africa. Either worn as a single piece of jewellery or in rows, bangles are present in the marital costume of Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and other Asian countries. Tradition has it that the bride should never buy the bangles she will wear on her wedding day herself.
TEARING DOWN THE DANCEFLOOR
An early example of a dancer wearing bangles comes from the excavations of the Mohenjo-Daro archaeological site in Pakistan, which go as far back as 2600 BCE.
Apart from their obvious decorative role, several Indian dance forms incorporate the rhythmic striking sound of a moving dancer’s bangles into the performance. Other early examples of ancient Indian bangles come from the historic site of Taxila (6th century BCE) and the sites of Mahurjari (4th-2nd centuries BCE). Artefacts from these excavations can be decorated with shells.
FROM GLASS TO RATTAN
The word “bangle” is derived from the Hindi word for glass (bungri). However, bangles also come in many other materials ranging from gold, silver and platinum (in which case they can be decorated with precious stones) to ferrous metals, wood and of course the all-consuming plastic. Basket weaving, which has always been a way to create inexpensive, yet elegant, jewellery has been also present in the creation of bangles, with the items exhibited being woven out of rattan stems. This tropical climbing plant is probably the most favored material in basketmaking (and not just basketmaking) as it can reach lengths of up to 150 meters with its thickness never exceeding a few centimeters. Rattan is stretchable, moldable and almost elastic.
THE VINE THAT SAVES A FOREST
Although rattan is not technically a liana, it is ofttimes referred to as one because it encircles regular trees while growing its way towards the light. In rattan harboring forests, loggers often opt to harvest rattan canes instead of cutting down the trees, as they are easier to acquire and transport and grow way faster than regular tropical wood. Having said that, there is such a thing as rattan overharvesting, with many countries setting up an annual allowable cut (AAC).
