Bhutanese Koma Fasteners with Chain of Knots

These openwork silver brooches are Bhutanese cloak fasteners known as koma. Worn by women to secure a traditional garment known as kira, the fasteners were secured to one's clothing at the shoulders and supported by a chain that ran behind the neck. This pair of koma are of round form with a domed openwork front accented with gold plating and a central turquoise bead. The pair is connected by a chain of eternal knot charms, one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols representing the Buddha's endless wisdom and compassion. At the center of the chain is a wheel of life charm, a potent Buddhist symbol of the universe, creation, and eternity. The reverse of each koma is fitted with hooks to fasten onto the textiles they are meant to secure.