Bhutanese women wear wrapped dresses (kira). Traditionally kira were held in place with a pair of long pins (thinkhab) - one at each shoulder. By the mid 20th century, the pins were replaced by brooches. Thinkhab could also be used as a weapon if a woman was attacked.

This very fine set of silver and gold pins are attached to woven metal straps. The two straps are  joined to a brooch-like fitting (koma) in the shape of a dharma wheel with a double dorje or thunderbolt at the centre. The pins are heavily incised with designs and highlighted with gilding. The connecting chains, the koma and the heads of the pins are inset with pieces of jade (the red wax showing).

Dress fastener / thinkhab | National Museums Liverpool

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Bhutanese women wear wrapped dresses (kira). Traditionally kira were held in place with a pair of long pins (thinkhab) - one at each shoulder. By the mid 20th century, the pins were replaced by brooches. Thinkhab could also be used as a weapon if a woman was attacked. This very fine set of silver and gold pins are attached to woven metal straps. The two straps are joined to a brooch-like fitting (koma) in the shape of a dharma wheel with a double dorje or thunderbolt at the centre. The pins are heavily incised with designs and highlighted with gilding. The connecting chains, the koma and the heads of the pins are inset with pieces of jade (the red wax showing).

Dress fastener / thinkhab

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