Bhutan Koma Brooches (square design with ringed loop), Silver finish
A They are of characteristic traditional design inspired by motif designs and floral design patterns from the ancient oriental art of Bhutan. These silver and copper gilts/koma are used by Bhutanese women to secure the wrapped dress or kira at the shoulders. The design of the koma features several superimposed squares in decreasing size with each square layered on the diagonal. Contrasting overlay decorating the square in the centre. Some attached a small piece of turquoise inside the square. On the inner side of the Koma, the lapel like metal pin tapers a sharp pin which bends inwards to form a fastening device. Presently, the brooches have evolved and now women use clips and lapels to fasten their kiras.
A Bhutanese woman fastened Kira with Koma brooch, Image source: Bhutan Street Fashion
Technical details:
- Material: Mixed metal allow with Silver and gold-coated paint
- Weight: 250 gm
- Gemstone: Turquoise
- Koma/necklace length: 17 inches
About the Artisan
Making of metal ornaments or Troko (one of the 13 different arts and crafts of Bhutan)
In this trade gold, silver and copper is usually made into jewellery. There are two main types of Bhutanese jewellery: the first uses semi-precious stones like turquoise, coral or etched agate (zee); the second uses the finely worked but mostly heavy silver and gold adornments for broches (koma) for women's dress (kira*) as well as for bangles, necklaces and rings.
Besides jewellery, richly decorated containers are important products of the wrought-iron master craftsman. The best pieces are reserved for religious use or are seen as status symbols. The most important working tools a fine pair of sheet pliers, a soldering pipe, a wire-drawing block, stencils, gravers, burins and chisels, hammers, putty, pump drills and metal scales.