Anklets stand the test of time

Anklets as a form of body decoration go back to biblical times and before. Ankle chains have been found in many archaeological sites and were considered a badge of opulence and power. Today they are mainly used as women’s accessories and are making a comeback in the fashion world together with other body decoration forms such as tattoos.

The wearing of anklet jewellery is still widely practised in countries such as India where it is steeped in culture and tradition.

Ankle jewellery had a more practical purpose in days gone by. Many ladies used to use it as a form of helping them correct their walking style. By wearing one on each leg, they could restrict the length of stride they took by linking them together with a short chain or chord. They were also used by ancient soldiers going off to do battle, whereby they restricted their ladies they left behind from becoming lewd and free to other suitors.
As body accessories go, anklets have never always signified respectability. They were sometimes attributed to ‘loose’ women and seen as a sexual enticement. Nowadays, however, they are very popular with all ages and there are many styles on offer on places such as Ebay. The most popular ones are yellow gold anklets and ones made of silver and many are very ornately engraved and personalised. Many people now are buying ones made fabric materials and some have deep meaning and significance behind them.
There are also many practical uses of bands around the ankle that have nothing to do with body decoration. Weighted bands are used by athletes to increase the strain on certain leg muscles by giving more resistance. There are ones that also measure the length of step and distance covered. There is even an anklet that senses the alcohol level in the body and can send details back to a central control unit-ideal if you want to cut the habit and need some guidance and peer pressure.
Anklets can prove to be an ideal present for the birthday or anniversary of a loved one. Many come in gift sets, either with other forms of jewellery or as a group of inter matching links. They prove very decorative and usually worn so they can be on show by wearing shorts or a dress. Tribal groups class them as a mark of status and authority on men, particularly witch doctors who use them to convey spiritualism and awe.

In western popular culture, men are now getting in on the act. Leather is becoming the most widely used material as it is comfortable and durable. Maybe there is something in our long lost roots that attracts us to adorning our lower legs in such a way. Long before socks were seen as an item to wear, anklets had been around for a long time, and will be around a lot longer to come.