A delicate Indonesian silver bracelet in the form of a Naga

 

Java, 19th/early 20th century, apparently unmarked

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Diam. of the opening: 5.5 cm / largest width: 8 cm (possibly enlargeable)

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Naga (Sanskrit for serpent) in Hinduism is a mythical half-snake half-human being. They live in the underground Kingdom called Naga-loka, which is filled with resplendent palaces, beautifully ornamented with precious gems. They are guardians of treasure and also associated with water, sea, lakes and rivers. They are potentially dangerous but often beneficial to humans, and only dangerous to the truly evil.