Tamils, are an ethnic group native to India (Tamil Nadu) and some other parts of Asia, a large number of Tamils live in what is now known as Sri Lanka which was formerly called 'Ceylon'.
We came across these beautiful pictures of historical Tamil women wearing ear weights and hangers and also elaborate jewellery in the piercings we now call helix piercings as well as nose and septum piercings.
Ear piercing is an ancient Indian practice, which is also known as Karna Vedha. It is one of the 16 sacraments, rituals and sacrifices done to mark the various stages of human life and to signify cultural heritage and upbringing.
According to Ayurveda, the lobe of the ear has an important point right in the center. This point is one of the most important areas for reproductive health.
It's so fascinating to see pictures from so long ago wearing items which look contemporary.
The picture above looks like she is wearing a ring stack
In fact one of of the most ancient designs look as if they could have been made today. Paambadam are designed in the shape of a snake hood, with two balls, two knobs, a square piece, and a tongue pieced together, the gold-coated earrings weigh about 50 g each. Paambadam in Tamil means the hood of the snake. Seeing them is increasingly rare and only the older Tamil women still seem to wear them.
Paambadam Ear Weights
Paambadam are very contemporary looking ear weights, its amazing to think these designs are hundreds of years old.
Photo by Henk Oochappan
