Paambadam

Paambadam or Thandatti is an earring worn by elderly women in South Indian States such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Paambadam in Tamil means the hood of the snake(paambin padam).

The sheer weight of a paambadam enlarges the ear lobe, which has to be pierced with a special knife for gradual expression.

Paambadam would be worn with one or two others of similar size and weight, pulling down and stretching the earlobe considerably.

The remarkable semi-abstract design actually incorporates animal forms, showing the head of a snake.