Wanderlust

The Flower image on this pendant was taken from a wooden henna tattoo stamp found in a market on one of Udaipur, India’s cow-laden streets. The Henna art form – also called Mendhi – has been practiced for centuries in India, Africa and the Middle East to decorate the body with sacred symbols of culture and mysticism. Brides are traditionally painted with these temporary golden-brown henna tattoos on their hands and feet. They use these deigns to bring good luck and fertility. Mummies have been found with the lattice-like designs and Cleopatra used the medicinal henna herb to paint her body with the symbols. The flower is a popular Indian symbol of beauty. The flower is 1 1/2 inch by 1 inch and is decorated with rubies.