Mounted tiger-claws were traditionally worn in India as charms against malevolent spirits, often hung as a pendant from a necklace. This amulet has been designed or adapted to wear as a brooch. It is formed of a double tiger claw mounted in gold. The mounts depict the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, sitting in a lotus and flanked by two elephants. This popular depiction of the goddess with elephants is known as gaja-lakshmi. A gold-mounted single claw hangs from a chain off the buckle on the back of the brooch. The mount of the single claw depicts the Hindu god of war, Subramanya, flanked by two peacocks, which is considered to be the vahana (mount) of the god.