Bharatanatyam Matha patti or Nethi chutty

Temple jewellery or jewelry is the common name by which the characteristic ornaments used in Bharatanatyam are known. Originally these ornaments were created as offerings to Gods and Goddesses and hence the name temple jewelry. Later the temple dancers, devadasis, wore the jewellery.

Featured in this video is the Matha patti (Nethi chutty as it is known in Tamil) which is part of the headset of the Bharatanatyam dancer. It goes around the head at the forehead level with a special piece made to fit over the central hair parting with a pendant hanging over the forehead.