Antiq Rajasthan India Ethnic Tribal Silver Triple Snake Chain Wedding Dowry Belt

Description

This is an exquisite vintage woven silver wedding belt or bridal belt from India, very likely from Rajasthan India.  The belt is 30 1/2 inches long and 3/4ths of an inch wide.  The buckle is 2 inches wide at its widest point.
The belt is composed of two portions.  The main part of the belt is composed of three parallel braided,  plaited or knit strands that run the length of the belt between the two portions of the buckle.  The strands or "snake chains," as they are sometimes called, are fastened together at regular 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inch intervals by a silver vertical silver band and medallion.  There are twelve such vertical bands and medallions.  The medallions take the form of flower heads.
The two portions of the buckle have a very intricate floral design on the front of each part, and a geometric incised pattern on the top and bottoms of the buckle.  The portions of the buckle fasten, one part to the other, by means of a very sophisticated and secure tongue-and-groove and screw clasp mechanism.
The belt probably dates either from the late 1800's or first decade of the 1900's, when it was the practice in Rajasthan to craft a belt such as this, either for the bride to wear or to become part of her dowry.  It has been part of my family for well over sixty years, and was already an antique when my mother originally purchased it.
Many such belts have only one snake chain or strand; some have two.  This one has three strands and is a triple snake chain.
As befits its age, it has very significant patina.  Personally, I prefer oxidation and patina to shiny surfaces.  But, it is a matter of personal taste.  I know that some people disagree with me and abhor patina.
Whatever your druthers, I would prefer to leave it to you to decide whether you wish to remove all or any part of the patina, after you have purchased it.  For no other reason than the fact that I believe the belt to be museum worthy, I would hope that some of the patina would be preserved.  But, the choice is yours.
Approximate Measurements:
Total Length of Belt:  30 1/2 inches
(I believe this will fit a 30.5 inch waist, but no larger).
Width Across the Three Strands:  3/4ths of an inch
Width Across the Buckle When It is Closed:  6 inches
Height of the Buckle at the Widest Point:  2 inches
Note:  Given the age of the belt, it does not have any silver marks on it and I have not had it tested.  Traditionally, antique Indian jewelry was fashioned out of coin silver or silver alloy rather than sterling silver.  That means that the silver is probably at least .600 grade, but very likely lower than .925 grade (the grade associated with sterling silver).
I have just read something that suggests that, typically, these marvelous old Indian belts tend to run between .800 and .925 grade silver - that is, between Continental silver and sterling silver.