Silver Siam Niello Bracelet, circa 1940

Siam Niello silver bracelet, circa 1940s. Siam is modern day Thailand. The bracelet has eight panels and is made from sterling silver and black enamel. It features Mekhala/Manimekhala, the Thai goddess of lightning, who was a sea nymph born from the froth of the waves. Her story is explained here: http://junkboxtreasures.com/blog/siam-sterling-the-story-of-mekhala-and-ramasoon/ - With bewitching eyes and long curling black locks, Mekhala's beauty knew no bounds. Mekhala loved to soar through the heavens and across the waters, flitting this way and that. One day, while flying high in the sky she was spotted by Ramasura. Ramasura was also a God. He was born of the storm clouds and the rain was his cloak and he carried with him a battle axe. The first time he saw Mekhala he fell in love with her beauty and knew right then and there that he had to be with her. Mekhala did not feel the same way and she spurned Ramasuras advances. In fact Mekhala often teased Ramasura, she mocked him before quickly flying up and way into the clouds. Ramasura decided that even if he could not win her heart, he had to possess her. The next time he saw Mekhala he set chase. Dark storm clouds gathered around Ramasoon and cloaked him from Mekhalas view. His plan was to wound Mekhala so that she could not escape him and he would make her his own. When the time was right Ramasura threw his battle axe hoping to capture the beautiful Mekhala. At the same time Mekhala held out her hand in which was a magical jewel, a crystal that she used for protection. Bright light flashed from it blinding Ramasoon as he threw his axe. The axe missed its mark and rattled harmlessly across the heavens as Mekhala made her escape. Lightning and thunder is produced from the flashing of Mekkala's crystal ball and the sound of Ramasura's axe as he pursues her through the skies. In one of the stories about Mekhala she also rescues Prince Mahajanaka from a shipwreck.