A large ancestral headdress or Perak mounted with turquoise, coral, and other stones, Ladakh, India, 19/20th C.

Dim.: 136 x 35 cm

This fine Perak features large, old turquoise stones with rich, time-developed colour, complemented by lambskin ear flaps and silver embellishments. At its centre is a protective ghau amulet, while one of the side panels is adorned with coral — the most highly prized local gemstone. The depth of tone and character in the turquoise distinguishes this example from newer or younger Peraks, whose stones lack the same patina and age-earned beauty.

Traditionally, Peraks are passed down from mother to daughter, remaining within the same family for generations. Only in the rare circumstance where there is no daughter to inherit the heirloom does a Perak leave its ancestral line. In such cases, it is ceremonially offered to a monastery following pujas and rituals, after which the monastery may release it through auction. Peraks from the Leh region, such as this example, are identifiable by a single choti on one side of the headdress.

Old Peraks have become increasingly scarce. In recent years, as families in the region have experienced growing prosperity, there is less economic need to part with these treasured hereditary pieces — making examples of this age and quality particularly rare on the market.

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