Product Description

Antique Thai Modesty Plate

Material: Silver
Style: Thailand
Size: Height 19 cm (top to bottom), 8 cm (excluding chain), Width 8 cm
Order Number: MHSATMP1

Worn by pre-pubescent children, often with little else, modesty plates were believed to protect the young, who were particularly susceptible to sorcery  and wandering spirits.

They were worn from the time that the child could stand on his or her own, that is about 12 to 16 months, until they were fully dressed.

They were made of silver if the child was royal.

Silver would have been made from silver ingots or silver trade coins melted and hammered.

They were tied around the waist by a chain.

They weighed about 30 – 40 grams.

The first wearing would be accompanied by an important ceremony.   

It is thought that they originated in India, where they were known as araimudi.

They stopped being worn in the early 20th century.

There are Malay examples in Gold Jewellery of the Indonesian Archipelago, Anne Richter and Bruce Carpenter, Editions Didier Millet 2011, page 250 and Malay Silver and Gold, Courtly Splendour from Indonesia, Malayasia, Singapore, Brunei and Thailand, Michael Backman, River Books, 2024, pages 243-246.

19th century or early 20th century.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).