Wadlo Silver & Leather Torc Necklace

The word Torc is derived from the Latin verb torquis meaning to twist.    This neck ring form is ubiquitous through prehistoric times.  For example, the ancient Celts crafted Torcs by twisting bands of metal around a core of iron or sometimes wood.

This neck piece is termed a wadlo torc and is made from a single piece of thick spiralled wire.   The necklace is wrapped in leather at the sides, which in turn has a silver motifs imprinted on it.   Lerquin states that the value of the necklace is decided by its weight and that is would be a piece given from father to daughter at her wedding.  This style of torc is from Kutch, Gujarat.

Weight: 256g

Dimensions:  the maximum inner diameter is 12.5 cm and the torc has a hook fastening at the front.

Age: Early 1900s.

Reference: Lerquin, A. (2003) A World of Necklaces, page 431.