A priest's necklace depicting Shiva Nataraja, Kartikaya and attendants
(Linga padakka muthu malai, or Gowrishankaram)
22 Karat Gold, silver, diamonds, rubies, pearls, rudraksha seeds and pink foil
India, Tamil Nadu
Early 19th c.
Length: 19 inches (47 cm.)
Upper Amulet: 3 ¾ x 3 ½ inches (9.5 x 8.9 cm)
Lower Amulet: 3 ½ x 4 ½ inches (8.9 x 11.4 cm)
Clasp: 3 x 1.5 inches (7.6 x 3.8 cm)