This delicate object is called a Tikka Maang. It is one of many Indian jewelry that are commonly worn during weddings. It is placed on the forehead and attached to the hair that is tightly put together. When my Mom was born, her grandmother gave it to my mom, which was meant to be a family heirloom. It had originally belonged to my great-grandmother and she had worn it at her one wedding. It could have been meant for my Mom to wear at my wedding, but that did not happen. The jewelry symbolizes the third eye which is said to control emotions and tap into one’s power of concentration. It is also worn to protect women against the evil eye, showing why it is worn at a wedding. The word ‘Tikka’ means ornament and ‘Maang’ means middle part. Tikka Maang simply means the ornament for the middle of the head. 
In 1947, the British, who had control over India at the time, split the country into two separate countries: India and Pakistan. My great-grandparents became refugees and escaped to Pakistan. This piece of jewelry was one of the only things that they had the ability to bring over. By secretly stuffing it into a fold of the clothing that they were wearing, the guards at the border were unable to find it when searching them. 
This is very significant to my family because it is one of the only things that currently remains from my family’s life in India. 

– KN

Relationship:  Im/migrant who arrived as a child Im/migrant who arrived as a child