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Old tribal ring, worn in the African Sahel, in Mali and Niger by the Soninke or Sarakole people, also worn by the Fulani or Peul people and the Tuareg from the south. The silver has a beautiful patina. From the first half of the 20th century. This is a heavy example, made with a massive silver piece with engravings and copper inlay (on top). The ring size is 8 3/4 (American size) - 18,75 mm diameter. The top measures (diameter) 3,3 cm It weighs 45,1 gr. Literature: “Bagues ethniques d'afrique, d'Asie et d'Amerique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2000 WA101
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Old Chinese silver earrings, with chains and dangles. Tested as high-grade silver, +800/1000. From the beginning of the 20th Century or earlier. The earrings measure 9 cm long (3,54 in). The gauge of the silver wire that goes through the earlobe hole is 4 mm. Both of them weigh 87 gr. SEA202
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Necklace made of high-grade silver and smoke quartz stone. The piece features finely made filigree and granulation which is very characteristic of pieces from this region. From the second half of the XXth century, probably the 60s’ or 70s’. For more information about Sri Lankan jewelry check our blog post. Dimensions: Length: 48 cm (18,89 inches) Width: 27 mm (1,06 inches) Weight: 62,6 gr Literature: “Colliers ethniques d’Afrique d’Asie, d’Océanie et d’Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003 “The splendour of ethnic jewelry”, Borel, France, Thames & Hudson, 1994 SRI23
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Gilded silver pair of matching bracelets. Embossed bracelets like this are worn by a bride in Palembang (South Sumatra), one on each wrist, according to Islamic tradition. She wears the bracelets in festive occasions as well. This pair still keeps some hard material inside to avoid bumps and dents. From the 1st half of 20th century or earlier. Dimensions: Inner diameter: 6,7 cm (2,64 inches) Total diameter: 9,5 cm (3,74 inches) Width: 3,5 cm (1,38 inches) Weight: 251,1 gr Literature: “Magie van de vrouw”, Vanderstraete, Anne, werelsmuseum, Rotterdam, 2012 “Ethnic Jewelry from Indonesia”, Carpenter, Bruce W., Editions Didier Millet, 2011 INDO21
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Black Yao back adornment, from different subgroups like the Iu Mien, inhabiting Laos and Thailand. It is made with long cotton streamers which hang on the back of the tunic collars. The top is made with enamel medals (both sides), silver bells and glass beads. Traditionally this dark burgundy red is used. The most recent ones used a much brighter red. From the 1st half of 20th century. Dimensions: Length: 65 cm Width on top (with beads): 9 cm Reference: “The Yao” Pourret, Jess G.,River Books, Bangkok, 2002 SEA226
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Old multistrand necklace, most probably from the Chin people inhabiting Western Myanmar. From mid 20th Century or older. The threads are the original ones, some in a delicate state due to wear. The necklace is 108 cm long (42,52 in). Weight: 190 gr. SEA259
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Old silver two hinged part bracelet (naugari) with projections of simulated gajre balls made from stamped sheet silver. From Rajasthan, India. The inner part was wrapped in cotton cloth to avoid the heat of metal on the skin and also silver loss due to continued use. It is usually worn with many others on the arms, covering up all length of them. From mid 20th Century. It can be fastened with a pin. Sizes: Inner perimeter 19,5 cm Inner diameter: 65 mm Outer diameter (between projections): 14 cm approx. Each projection: 35 mm It weighs 287 gr. Literature: ” Traditional Jewelry of India” by Oppi Untracht, page 255. “Bracelets ethniques d’afrique, d’Asie d’Océanie et d’Amérique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2002 “Indian Jewellery”, Holbein Hendley, Thomas, BR publication, Delhi, 2009 IND1048
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High-grade silver two-hinged part bracelet (naugari) with projections of simulated gajre balls made from stamped sheet silver. From Rajasthan, India. It is usually worn with many other bracelets on the arms, covering up the whole length. From mid 20th Century or earlier It fastens with a pin. Sizes: Diameter: 14 cm Inner diameter: 7 cm Each projection: 35 mm Weight: 295 gr. Literature: ” Traditional Jewelry of India” by Oppi Untracht, page 255. “Bracelets ethniques d’afrique, d’Asie d’Océanie et d’Amérique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2002 “Indian Jewellery”, Holbein Hendley, Thomas, BR publication, Delhi, 2009 IND1173
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Old silver pendant necklace, used as a lingam casket box. These pendants were designed as containers to hold a sacred lingam stone representing the god Shiva. High-grade silver. Lingayats are a Hindu group who believe that Shiva is the only diety, rather than the 3 gods revered by other Hindus. They also believed that the sacred presence of Shiva was not simply confined to the temple, but that it could be held in these pendants for a personal connection to the god. You can see similar samples in “Traditional Jewelry of India” by Oppi Untracht, page133. This is an original and worn piece, in excellent condition, from the 19th Century. It was kept in a European collection for decades. The size of the pendant is 7 cm wide by 4,8 cm high. The chain is 82 cm long approx. It weighs 108 gr. IND1148
