North India, Punjab, early 20th century

SKU: 1958

North India, Punjab, early 20th century

A gold KANGHA, comb, the handle decorated with a chiseled foliage around a central Sikh symbol, KHANDA. The reverse is also decorated with a pattern of foliage.

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that emerged in the early 16th century in northern India by the first teacher Guru Nanak Dev. It is an independent faith inspired by Hinduism and Islam but has its own religious identity.

The KHANDA for Sikh has the same symbolism as for example the cross for Christians. The name KHANDA comes from the central, upright double-edged sword, Khanda. This sword is a metaphor for Divine Knowledge, the sharp edges separating truth from falsehood. The circle around the KHANDA is the CHAKAR, an infinite circle, which symbolizes the perfect, eternal God. The CHAKAR is flanked by two curved swords, KIRPANs. The KIRPAN symbolize the SIKH concept of Meeri and Peeri; the obligation for every SIKH to have as much dedication to a spiritual life as well as the commitment and obligations to society.

The KANGHA is a small comb that Sikhs use twice a day. It is supposed to be kept with the hair at all times. Combs help to clean and remove tangles from the hair, and are a symbol of cleanliness. Combing their hair reminds Sikhs that their lives should be tidy and organized.

A Sikh never cuts or trims any hair as a symbol of respect for the perfection of God's creation. The turban is a spiritual crown, which is a constant reminder to the Sikh that he or she is sitting on the throne of consciousness and is committed to living according to Sikh principles.

Literature:

Untracht, Oppi, Traditional Jewelry of India, page 213