In the southern Indian region, jewellery is created keeping in mind several ritualistic needs of the various communities. The size and design of the ornament denoted the social background of the owner; some jewellery like the thali also declared the marital status of the wearer. This is an exquisite example of a waist belt or oddiyanam in plain gold with embossed detail, 2 panels of animals on either side of the buckle with feline face. Waist belts such as this form part of a Tamil bride’s costume and the costume of classical dancers; worn to keep the sari in place.