Like most Indian jewellery, the designs of South Indian jewels find their inspiration in religion and nature. This 'mothuram' or ring, made of gold is decorated with soldered pieces of geometric designs to form two parrots flanking a lotus. The parrot is a symbol of love and passion, and the vehicle of Kamadeva, the God of Love.The craft of jewellery making survived a long time in India. Jewellery was not only adorned for aesthetic reasons by the rich and poor alike, but was accummulated for its intrinsic value especially by the poorer women. This ring may have been a temple piece given its religious motifs. Such jewellery was worn by the temple priest during pujas.
