#lhasa

The earrings were often made from gold or silver, with fittings set for large precious stones, like turquoise or red coral cabochon. Many Akor feature a kind of three-tiered composition, with stylized lotus buds and teardrop forms supported by a solid metal frame. And at first glance, these look very much like many other large, elaborate earrings. But there is something special about the way they're worn.

Because of their size and weight Akor were often too heavy to be worn directly from the ear. So, they were suspended from a woman's hair or headdress with small, cleverly concealed hooks, so that they fell along the full length of the face.

A small object, but one that tells us a great deal about status, craftsmanship, and give us a rare and valuable link to the visual culture of pre-modern Tibet."