Tika Mala — Tharu Coin Necklace

Chakhaura

टिका माला: थारु समुदायमा प्रचलित सिक्काहरूले बनेको चाँदीको माला Tika Mala: A traditional Tharu necklace made of silver coins strung together

Type: Jewelry
Material: Silver Coins, thread

The Tika Mala is assembled from individual silver coins strung together to form a layered necklace. Each coin may carry engravings or markings from different historical periods, making every Tika Mala a small archive of economic and cultural history. It is worn flat against the chest during festivals.

Coin jewelry has been part of Tharu ornamental tradition for generations, reflecting both the community's aesthetic sensibility and their historical relationship with trade and currency in the Terai region.