ANTIQUE BIG TOE RING W. DECORATION + FOOT SCRUBBER (CALLUS REMOVER) – INDIA – 19th/20th C.

These antique objects originate from Rajasthan (India).

a) The large and heavy metal ring is solid cast and is meant for a big toe. The front is adorned with a regional floral design with a protruding nub. From the bottom of the ring is a bar that is worn under the adjoining toes in order to keep the toe ring straight and to prevent the shifting or loss of the ring while walking. The base metal (possibly made of bronze alloy) seems plated with a light nickel or silver alloy.

b) The bronze foot scrubber for women has traces of red pigment. On the top of the scrubber is a peacock figure, which serves as a handle. In the inside of the scrubber are small balls.

Indian women removed calluses with such tools. Removing calluses was consider embarrassing. These scrubbers used to contain metal balls in the inside so they can make a sound and warn other people to stay away when using them, which allowed the Indian woman to maintain her privacy. Indian foot scrubbers were usually made of brass or bronze and had an animal (lion, elephant, horse, peacock, sparrow and so on) on the top as the handle.

The peacock is an important symbol in the culture of Nepal and India being frequently depicted in the arts. The peacock is the national symbol of Nepal. In Hindu-Buddhist culture the peacock is viewed as a general symbol of good luck and prosperity. In India and Nepal a fan of peacock feathers is often kept in the house as a protection device. The fans are designed so as to make maximum use of the eye markings on the feathers. It is believed that these will keep a permanent watch for any evil spirits and repel them if they come close.

The peacock, also known as sun-bird, is the vehicle of Kartikeya or Kumar, the god of war and love. Goddess Saraswati, who often rides on the swan or tortoise, also uses this bird as her vehicle. The gate of paradise, it is said, is guarded by the peacock.

Age: 19th/20th C.

Size (toe ring): 7.8 cm long with bar and 4 cm without bar, 8 cm wide, 5.8 cm high. Weight: 208 gr.

Size (foot scrubber): base 6.2 cm by 3.5 cm, high 5 cm. Weight 99 gr

Condition: These objects are in good condition taking into account their high age except abrasion of the red colour (foot scrubber) due to longtime use. . Good signs of long time use and age patina. Look carefully to the pictures which are an integral part of the description. Consequently any damage or repair to the object not mentioned in the text, but visible in the photos, are considered to be described.

The description and explanation of the item have been made in good faith and to the best of my knowledge. The dimensions are measured manually and are therefore approximate. Colors may differ slightly from the original colors. This is a private sale as I am not a professional seller; I am a collector who liquidates his collection. Therefore, I do not accept returns unless in very exceptional cases. In any case, the return costs are to be paid by the buyer. I hope you will understand this. Please don’t hesitate to request before purchasing all information you need. Your satisfaction and positive feedback is very important to me. If you have any problems with the item or services, please feel free to contact me first before you leave negative feedback. I will do my best to solve any problems.

By purchasing this item, the buyers expressly declare that they are fully aware of the regulations and laws of their own country regarding the import of the purchased goods and that the seller cannot be held responsible for any costs or for any problems that may arise in their own country such as for example, the payment of taxes and duties, or the seizure or even the destruction by the customs or other authorities.