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This is a rare silver box. Although it looks Persian at first sight, when examined closely it seems to be from a different region. It is still Quoran box amulet , with a lid that opens, but the decoration looks maybe Middle Eastern. It also has three bails, which suggests that it is worn, not on the forearm (as Persian/Afghans ones) but probably hanging as a pendant. It could also be from Iran or Afghanistan, a different type than the ones that are more often found, or maybe from a transitional region between the Middle East and Central Asia. Material: high grade silver. An Ottoman coin is placed at the top as decoration. From the first quarter of the 20th century or earlier . It is in good condition, although the hinge is fragil and needs a silver wire to be functional. Provenance: French private collection. The box was sourced in Saudi Arabia in the 60s or 70s. Dimensions (with bails): 9 x 9 x 1,8 cm Weight: 97,3 gr ME254
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This is a rare silver box. Although it looks Persian at first sight, when examined closely it seems to be from a different region. It is still Quoran box amulet , with a lid that opens, but the decoration looks maybe Middle Eastern. It also has three bails, which suggests that it is worn, not on the forearm (as Persian/Afghans ones) but probably hanging as a pendant. It could also be from Iran or Afghanistan, a different type than the ones that are more often found, or maybe from a transitional region between the Middle East and Central Asia. Material: high grade silver and turquoise. From the first quarter of the 20th century or earlier. It is in good condition, although the hinge is fragil and needs a silver wire to be functional. Provenance: French private collection. The box was sourced in Saudi Arabia in the 60s or 70s. Dimensions (with bails): 9 x 9 x 1,8 cm Weight: 93 gr ME255
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Old Silver belt from Maharashtra, India. Very good silver content, at least 800 or 900/1000.. It depicts a Kirtimukha face. From the first half of the 20th century. Provenance: French private collection. The buckle can be opened with a screw. Two thick snake chains make the rest of the belt. The length of the belt is 77,5 cm Weight: 229 gr References: “Ceintures ethniques d'Afrique d'Asie, d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2004 “Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 1997 IND1692
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High grade silver flat plain neck ring, mainly worn by Akha women (Hill tribes, Golden Triangle, SE Asia). These neck ornaments were made by hammering a silver plate until the desired shape was achieved. From early 20th century. Provenance: Italian private collection Dimensions: Size: 19 x 18 cm Inner diameter: 13,5 cm Back opening: 4,5 cm Weight: 194,2 gr Literature: “Peoples of the golden triangle”, Lewin, Paul and Elaine, River Books, Bangkok, 1998, p. 48 “The jewelry of Southeast Asia”, Richter, Anne, Thames & Hudson, 2000, p. 141 “The art of silver jewellery. From the minorities of China, the Golden Triangle, Mongolia and Tibet”, Skira, 2006, p.142-144-5 “Colliers ethniques d'Afrique d'Asie, d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003, p. 318 SEA492
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Konyak Naga head ornament, made of orange and two different hues of blue beads. It is worn as seen in the last picture. From mid 20th century. Provenance: French private collection Dimensions (approx) 20 x 20 cm. No clasp. Literature: “The Naga”, Jacobs, Julian, Edition Hansjörg Mayer, 2012, p.309 “The power of headdresses”, Biebuyck D. &Van de Abbele, Leopold II Foundation, 1984, p.165 IND1684
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Huge Yemen woman necklace, composed of three big triangular amulets profusely decorated with filigree and appliqué , bells and gilded medallions with illegible pseudo-latin inscriptions. They seem to be an imitation of Venetian zecchino, an used for decoration. A rare addition to this necklace. This kind of necklaces were sometimes made long enough (like this one) to be worn over one shoulder , extending to the waist. This kind of necklaces were worn in Bara'a (Tehama), but similar examples can be found in Saudi Arabia. High grade silver and gilded silver. From the 1st half of the 20th century Provenance: Belgian private collection Dimensions: Total length: 88 cm Size of the triangular amulets (with bells): 11,5 x 8,5 cm Weight: 452 gr Literature: “Silver treasures from the land of Sheba”, Ransom. Marjorie, The American university in Cairo Press, 2014, p. 94 “Traditional Crafts of Saudi Arabia”, Topham, John, Stacey international, London, 1982, p. 76-7 “Shine and Mistery, the splendor and power of Oriental jewelry”, Hoesli, Peter, Knayf-Museum Iphofen, 2023, p. 22, 149 ME246
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Silver Omani amulet pendant, with etched decoration and small bells at the bottom. Decoration of the back suggests the Oman origin. This piece is rare and looks very similar to some Afghan and Hazara pendants. Materials: silver and turquoise. From the first half of the 20th century. It was sourced in Riadh by the previous owner in the 60s' or 70s'. Provenance: French private collection. Dimensions: 7 x 8 x 0,5 cm Weight: 38,2 gr A similar example from Yemen is in the collection "splendor and Shine" from Germany. ME249
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Ceremonial hair comb called hai kara jangga, from East Sumba, Indonesia. On important occasions and especially during rituals following the death of a highly placed member of the nobility, women dance with these combs stuck into the hair bun as a crown. Marriageable young women wear the comb over their forehead. The combs are still worn today, but the custom is fast dying out. This one has bilaterally symmetrical cocks silhouetted and perched on top of antlered deer, depicted in open work with small and delicate designs. Antlered deer symbolise royalty. The fighting cocks represent the upper world of the spirits, ancestors and nobility, as well as the aggression of aristocratic warriors. An abstract central image between them most likely represents a skull tree called an andung, where trophy heads were displayed. Material: Tortoiseshell From the first half of the 20th century. In good condition, although one of the teeth (far left) is missing. Provenance: French private collection. Dimensions: 15,5 x 14 x 5,5 cm For a similar example, please see the Metropolitan Museum of Art website, accession number: 1987.447.15. Literature: “Parures de tête ethniques d'afrique, d'Asie d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2005, p. 216 “Ethnic jewellery and adornment” Daalder, Truus, Ethnic Art Press, 2009, p. 194 “Magie van de vrouw”, Vanderstraete, Anne, werelsmuseum, Rotterdam, 2012, p. 428-9 “Ethnic Jewelry from Indonesia”, Carpenter, Bruce W., Editions Didier Millet, 2011, p. 216 “The jewelry of Southeast Asia”, Richter, Anne, Thames & Hudson, 2000, p. 212 “Power and gold: jewelry from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines”, Rodgers, Susan, Presteg Verlag, Geneve, 1988, p. 289 “Sieraden, en lichaamsversiering uit Indonesië”, Wassing, Rita, Museum Nusantara, 1984, p 33 “Living with indonesian art”, Brinkgreve, Francine y Stuart-Fox, Rijksmuseum Volkenkunde, 2013, 281 INDO106
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Pair of African bronze anklets, worn by Lobi tribe in Burkina Fasso. From the first half of the 20th century. Provenance: French private collection. Dimensions: 15 x 9 cm Weight: 1068 gr WA172
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Old Turkoman Teke Cheikel. Cheikel are leather bags with partly gilded silver plate studded with carnelian on the front. It is attached to a leather strap with silver discs and gilded silver decorations, and and are worn across the chest or shoulder. This is why the strap is not symmetrical and one side of the strap is more ornate than the other. In the recent past the cheikel was worn by older women. They are used to keep Muslim prayers, talismans, keys, coins and small valuables in. From the 19th century. In good condition, three of the silver discs of the strap are missing. Materials: gilded silver, carnelian, leather. Provenance: German private collection. Dimensions: Size of the cheikel: 10 x 12 cm Leather strap approx. 100 cm long Literature: “Old silver jewellery of the Turkoman”, Schletzer, Dietrich Reimer Verlag, 1984, p. 112 “Schmuck aus Zentralasien”, Prokot, Inge and Joachim Callwey, Verlag München, 1981, p.115-119 “Der Turkmenenschmuck”, Rudolph, Hermann, Museum für Völkerkunde, 1984, p.194-195 “The arts and crafts of Turkestan”, Kalter, Johannes, Thames and Hudson, 1983, p. 132 “Traditional jewellery from Soviet Central Asia and Kazakhstan”, Sovetsky khudozhnik Publishers, 1984, p. 121 CA197
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A long necklace that is usually worn in Southern Uzbekistan in an area where ethnic Uzbek, Tajik, and Pamir live. Made of silver, coral, shell and glass beads. Date: first half of the 20th century or earlier. Dimensions: Length: 104 cm Central pendant: 7 x 7 cm Weight: 304,3 gr Literature: “Schmuck aus Zentralasien”, Prokot, Inge and Joachim Callwey, Verlag München, 1981 “Il corallo. Nell’ornamento dell’Asia islamica dalla Turchia all’Uzbekistan”, del Mare, Cristina- Vidale, Massimo, Electa napoli, 2001 “Kyrgyzstan. Ethnic jewellery of Central Asia”, Kadyrov, V., Rarity Firm LTD, 2007 “De kracht van Zilver. Etnische sieraden uit de collectie smith hutschenruyter”, Mols, Luitgard, Wereld Museum, Rotterdam, 2011 “Schmuck aus Zentralasien”, Prokot, Inge and Joachim Callwey, Verlag München, 1981, p. 70 CA194
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Pair of silver bracelets filled with resin. These bracelets represent caterpillars, animals that have the power to turn into dragons. The dragon is both yan and yin: he is yang as a sign of thunder and celestial activity, and yin as ruler of the watery regions. From the Miao people, Guizhou, China. High grade silver. From the beginning of the 20th century. Provenance: European collection. Dimensions (each): Total size: 8,7 x 6,5 x 1,6 cm cm Inner diameter: 5,8 cm Back gap: 3 cm Combined weight: 82,5 cm Literature: “Bracelets ethniques d'afrique, d'Asie d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2002, p. 247 “The art of silver jewellery. From the minorities of China, the Golden Triangle, Mongolia and Tibet”, Skira, 2006, p. 108 “De fil et d'argent, memoire des Miao de Chine”, Museé des Arts asiatiques, Nice, 2004, p.125 SEA485
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Vintage 22kt gold ring from India, inset with diamonds in irregular cut. From the second half of the 20th century. Provenance: Italian private collection Dimensions: Top of the ring: 1,5 x 1,3 cm Ring size: 6 3/4 or 17 mm inner diameter. IND1673
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Rare woman's Toraja necklace, South and Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Materials: Silver, wood and painted glass. Most of the glass beads used by the Toraja were imported or derived from trading. The silver beads were probably made by itinerant Bugis smiths; the wood core were typical of Toraja and not found elsewere. From the 19th century or early 20th. Provenance: Belgian private collection. Dimensions: Length: 54 cm (no clasp) Each bead 2,5 x 1 cm Literature: “Colliers ethniques d'Afrique d'Asie, d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003, p. 344 “Ethnic Jewelry from Indonesia”, Carpenter, Bruce W., Editions Didier Millet, 2011, p. 188 “The jewelry of Southeast Asia”, Richter, Anne, Thames & Hudson, 2000, p. 217 “Gold Jewellery of the Indonesian Archipelago”. Anne Richter, Bruce W. Carpenter, ed.Didier Millet, 2011, p. 256-7 INDO104
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Necklace with old carnelian beads, alternating with bronze bell beads and some orange glass beads. Worn by the Ao Naga people. From the first half of the 20th century, although some brass trumpets and carnelian beads look older. Provenance: Italian private collection. Dimensions: Length: 72 cm Size of the biggest carnelian beads: 3 cm Size of trumpet-shaped beads: 5,5 cm Weight: 226,1 gr Literature: “The Nagas”,Jacobs, Julian, Edition Hansjörg Mayer, 2012, p. 324 “Ethnic jewellery and adornment” Daalder, Truus, Ethnic Art Press, 2009, p. 338 “The splendour of ethnic jewelry”, Borel, France, Thames & Hudson, 1994, p.156 "Arte Naga", Museo Nacional de Etnología, 1988, p.36 “Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 1997, p. 64 IND1674
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Silver ring from the Himalayan region. Made of high grade silver and a big red glass bead. From the first half of the 20th century. Provenance: Belgian private collection. Dimensions: Top of the ring: 2,8 cm Size of ring: US 7 (17,25 mm inner diamenter) Literature: “Bagues ethniques d'afrique, d'Asie et d'Amerique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2000, p. 155 “Ethnic jewellery and adornment” Daalder, Truus, Ethnic Art Press, 2009, p. 291 “Ethnic jewellery from Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands”, The pepin Press, 2002, p.173 “Jewellery of Tibet and the Himalayas”, Clarke, John, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 2004, p. 25 “Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 1997, p. 155 HIM112
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Big gau, made of high-grade silver, copper (back), and set with coral beads and turquoise. Excellent workmanship and good condition overall, consistent with age and wear. The central turquoise is a later replacement. This gau was worn in Tsang Province, south central Tibet as well as in Western Tibet. From the 1st half of the 20th century. Dimensions: 10 x 9,5 x 1,5 cm Weight: 130,8 gr Literature: “Colliers ethniques d'Afrique d'Asie, d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003 “Jewellery of Tibet and the Himalayas”, Clarke, John, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 2004 HIM116
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Gilded silver Karo Batak ring called Tapak gajah, from Sumatra, Indonesia. This type of ring was made on instructions from a guru or religious specialist, and was worn as a method of treatment. Additional magic substances were often inserted on the inside of the bezel. The Batak interprered illness as proof that their living soul had temporarily lost direct contact with its person. Through such a ring and the medicine of a guru the soul could be persuaded to stay close to the patient, who would quickly recover from his or her illness. The outside of the ring is decorated with lavish filigree, twisted wires and granulations. From the 19th or early 20th century. Provenance: Belgian private collection Dimensions: Top of the ring: 1,5 x 1,2 cm Ring size: US 9 - 19 mm inner diameter Literature: “Bagues ethniques d’afrique, d’Asie et d’Amerique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2000, p. 177 “Gold Silver and Brass, jewellery of the Batak”, Sibeth, Achim, 5 Continents Editions, 2012. p. 118 “Power and gold: jewelry from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines”, Rodgers, Susan, Presteg Verlag, Geneve, 1988, p. 279 INDO98
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Silver necklace from the Greater Kabilia in Algeria. These sort of necklaces, called “Azrar”, were given to women as wedding dowry. They were then use on especial celebrations and festivals. Materials: high grade silver, coral and enamel. From the first half of the 20th century. Provenance: German private collection. The necklace has 21 charm pendants in different shapes, also old French silver coins. Some of the pendants were enamel in blue, green and yellow. These colors and the enamel technique used on them are typical of Berber jewelry from the mountainous kabylie, especially from Beni Yenni. A red coral bead was inset on mostly all pendants, to protect the wearer from evil eye and illness. The necklace is shown in its original condition, and hasn’t been clean or repaired. Dimensions: Length: 46 cm Size of bigger pendants: Between 3,2 cm Weight: 153,3 gr It is fastened with a hook. Literature: “Colliers ethniques d'Afrique d'Asie, d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003, p. 36 “Abzim Parures et bijoux des femmes d'Algérie“, Tamzali, Wassyla, Enterprisse -algérienne de Presse, 1984, p. 164 “Bijoux berbères d'Algérie”, Camps-Fabrer, Edisud, 1990, p. 94 “L'argent de la lune”, Makilan, 2015, p. 97-99 “El llenguatge de la joia”, Fundació Caixa Girona, 2008, p. 116 “Ethnic jewellery from Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands”, The pepin Press, 2002, p. 20 ARG130
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Vintage Zuni silver and turquoise bracelet, from the Zuni people inhabiting New México (USA). Age:20th century Made of high grade silver and turquoise. Dimensions: Total size: 7 x 5,8 x 2 cm Inner size: 6,3 cm Weight: 56,9 gr Literature: “Bracelets ethniques d'afrique, d'Asie d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2002, p. 321 “Indian silver jewelry of the Southwest 1868-1930”, Frank. Larry, Schiffer, 1990 “Turquoise”, Mark P. Block, Schiffer, 2017 “North American Indian jewelry and adornment”, Sherr Dubin, Lois, Harry N. Abrams, 1999 AME13
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Heavy silver bracelet called musammat from Al-Dhahiyy in the Nothern Tihama Coastal Plain, Yemen. They are also worn in Southern Saudi Arabia. The central medallion was made with a M. Theresia Thaler (see pictures) with apliqué decoration. this kind of bracelet is worn on the upper part of the lower arm. From the first half of the XXth Century or earlier. High grade silver (+800), tested. Dimensions: Inner diameter: 6,5 cm Total diameter: 9,5 cm Width (medallion): 4,2 cm It weighs 380,7 gr. Reference: "Silver treasures of the land of Sheba" Marjorie Ransom, p. 139 “Bracelets ethniques d'afrique, d'Asie d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2002, p. 140 “Shine and Mistery, the splendor and power of Oriental jewelry”, Hoesli, Peter, Knayf-Museum Iphofen, 2023, p. 41 ME242
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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. The silver has a beautiful patina. From the first half of the 20th century. The ring size is 8 (American size) – 18,5 mm inner diameter. The top measures 3,6 x 2,2 cm It weighs 29,6 gr. Literature: “Bagues ethniques d’afrique, d’Asie et d’Amerique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2000 WA90
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A six-strand necklace that is usually worn in Southern Uzbekistan in an area where ethnic Uzbek, Tajik, and Pamir live. Made of silver, coral, shell and glass beads. Date: first half of the 20th century or earlier. Dimensions: Length: 92 cm Central pendant with dangles: 11,5 x 5,7 cm Weight: 262,1 gr Literature: “Schmuck aus Zentralasien”, Prokot, Inge and Joachim Callwey, Verlag München, 1981 “Il corallo. Nell’ornamento dell’Asia islamica dalla Turchia all’Uzbekistan”, del Mare, Cristina- Vidale, Massimo, Electa napoli, 2001 “Kyrgyzstan. Ethnic jewellery of Central Asia”, Kadyrov, V., Rarity Firm LTD, 2007 “De kracht van Zilver. Etnische sieraden uit de collectie smith hutschenruyter”, Mols, Luitgard, Wereld Museum, Rotterdam, 2011 CA172
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Rare silver and coral necklace from Uzbekistan, most probably from the Khorezm area. First half of the 20th century. Material: coral beads, silver, glass beads and Ottoman and Russian coins. The Ottoman or Uzbek coins are old and worn, one of them is dated in 1279 (1858 CE, the other ones are worn off and it is not possible to see the date. The Russian coins are dated between 1922 and 1929. Dimensions: Length: 62 cm Size of the bigger Russian coins: 2,7 cm (diameter) Weight: 162 gr Literature: “Kyrgyzstan. Ethnic jewellery of Central Asia”, Kadyrov, V., Rarity Firm LTD, 2007, p. 21 “Il corallo. Nell'ornamento dell'Asia islamica dalla Turchia all'Uzbekistan”, del Mare, Cristina-Vidale, Massimo, Electa napoli, 2001, p. 92 CA170
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Ottoman silver head or pectoral ornament, most probably from the Balkans region. The two ends have a hook on the back and a bail. Both pieces and the central hook were cast in a mold and gilded (two of the hools are missing). The coins are dated 1223 of the Islamic calendar (1801 in our calendar). It is a complete piece, if very good condition, no coins missing. Material: high grade silver and glass beads. Dimensions: Length of the shorter chain: 60 cm Length of longer chain: 82 cm Weight: 403,4 gr ME227
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Necklace worn by Dayak Kelabit women in Borneo, Indonesia. Beads are valued by all the Borneo's tribes. Dayak families of the upper class own a certain number of old beads which formed an important part of a family’s prestige and wealth, and were one of the principal forms of currency. Materials: Carnelian, metal, glass beads and feline or bear teeth. Glass beads were for years imported and traded from India, China and Europe. The yellow doughnut beads and the rosette decorated beads have considerable ritual value. Age: The necklace is made with beads of different ages, some of them could be a couple of hundred years old or more, other glass beads are from the 19th and 20th century. The majority of the heirloom glass beads in Kalimantan are most probably from the 17th-19th c, when trade with Europe was at his height. Dimensions: Total length: 80 cm Central tassel of beads: 7 cm Literature: "Heirloom beads among the Dayak of Borneo", Campbell, Barbie, BEADS: Journal of the Society of Bead Researchers 34 (2022) "Beads of Borneo", Munan, Heidi, Editions Didier Millet, 2005, p. 58-59 "Beads in Indonesia" Adhyatman, Sumarah - Arifin, Redjeki, Penerbit Djambatan, 1993, p. 94 INDO70
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Silver woman’s Qu’ran holder “muskalik” in a triangular shape, decorated with filigree and a turquoise gemstone, opening lid on top, and coins at the bottom and worn over the shoulder on a long chain. from Syria or Southern Anatolia. Late 19th century,or later 20th. The coins are a later addition to the pendant, which probably had a diferent kind of dangles. Coins are dated 1223 and 1255 of the Islamic calendar, which corresponds to 1801 and 1833. This kind of amulet was an export item made in various smithing centers of the core of the ottoman world (Istanbul, Damascus, Sarajevo…) following a popular trend and fashion from the second half of the 19th century. Material: High grade silver (coins), low grade silver and turquoise. Dimensions: Size of the amulet with coins: 12 x 10 cm Lenght of the chain (approx): 66 cm Literature: “The arts and crafts of Syria”, Kalter, Johannes, Thames and Hudson, 1992, p. 98 ME225
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High grade silver earrings from Oman. From Mid 20th century. Provenance: private Dutch collection. Dimensions:13,5 x 7 cm Weight: 43 gr Literature: “Oman Adorned”, Shelton, Pauline-Morris, Miranda, Apex Publishing, 1997 “Silver Jewellery of Oman”, Rajab, Jehan S., Tareq Rajab Museum, Kuwait, 1997 “A world of earrings. Africa, Asia America”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2001 ME212
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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. The silver has a beautiful patina. From the first half of the 20th century. The ring size is 6 1/2 (American size) - 17 mm inner diameter. The top measures 3 x 2,3 cm It weighs 25 gr. Literature: “Bagues ethniques d’afrique, d’Asie et d’Amerique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2000 WA91
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Silver woman’s Qu’ran holder in a rectangular shape, decorated with filigree, glass beads and 2 coral beads on the sides. It has an opening lid on top, and coins at the bottom, which are the original dangles of this piece. From Syria, probably from Deir ez Zor. Late 19th century or beginning of the 20th.Coins are dated 1293 of the Islamic calendar, which corresponds to 1871 of our calendar. Some of the small blue glass beads are missing. Material: High grade silver (coins), low grade silver, coral, glass beads. Dimensions: Size of the amulet with coins: 9,5 x 10 cm Lenght of the chain (approx): 80 cm Literature: “The arts and crafts of Syria”, Kalter, Johannes, Thames and Hudson, 1992, p. 98 ME229
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Uzbek necklace, most probably from Bokhara (Central Asia). Made of silver, gilded silver, glass cabochons, coral, mother of pearl, pearls and some turquoises. First quarter of the 20th century. Provenance: Italian private collection. Dimensions: Length without cords: approx 60 cm Central pendant 14 x 7 cm Weight: 127,9 gr Literature: “Colliers ethniques d'Afrique d'Asie, d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003, p. 198 “Il corallo. Nell'ornamento dell'Asia islamica dalla Turchia all'Uzbekistan”, del Mare, Cristina-Vidale, Massimo, Electa napoli, 2001 “Kyrgyzstan. Ethnic jewellery of Central Asia”, Kadyrov, V., Rarity Firm LTD, 2007, p.18 CA161
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Three wood and silver hair pins worn on the hair by the Tai Daeng people of Laos, the Muong people from Vietnam and Mon-Khmer speaking minorities in nothern Vietnam. The top of all three have a lid that was used to store the tobacco or small objects and amulets, although in this case they are too worn and the lids cannot be opened easily. Made of wood and high grade silver. From the 19th century or early 20th. Provenance: Italian private collection. Dimensions: 27 x 3 x 2 cm Literature: “Parures ethniques. Le culte de la beauté”, Geoffroy-Schneiter, Bérénice, Assouline, Paris, 2001, p. 184 “The jewelry of Southeast Asia”, Richter, Anne, Thames & Hudson, 2000, p. 138 “The art of silver jewellery”, Skira, 2006, p. 152 “Ethnic jewellery and adornment” Daalder, Truus, Ethnic Art Press, 2009, p. 231 SEA468-70
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A two-strand of bronze beads. Each of the them has been cast by the lost wax technique. Most probably Kondh tribal culture, Orisha, India. From the 1st half of the 20th century or earlier. In the original stringing. Provenance: Italian private collection. Length (longest strand): 74 cm Weight: 191,9 gr IND1666
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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 cm It weighs 40,7 gr. Literature: “Bagues ethniques d'afrique, d'Asie et d'Amerique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2000 WA103
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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. With gold appliqué on the top of the casket. Lingayats are a Hindu group who believe that Shiva is the only deity, 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. Bibliography: “Traditional Jewelry of India” by Oppi Untracht, page133. This is an original and worn piece, in excellent condition, from the 19th Century. Provenance: Ex- Michael Backman Gallery Length of the chain: 83 cm Size of pendant: 5,2 x 6,2 cm It weighs 98 gr. For more information about this fascinating pieces, please see my post on Indian lingam box caskets. IND1152
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Fulani (Peul) necklace, made with very old carnelian round beads, old Czech glass beads and skunk old Venetian glass beads. This type of necklaces is valued by many of the Fulani groups, and women wear several strands at the same time. Carnelian is believed to ease menstrual pains and help cure sicknesses of the blood. The carnelian arriving for centuries to the West African cultures came from the mines in Gujarat, India, first through the Arab trade boats and then by caravan crossing Africa from East to West. Dimensions: Length: 80 cm The round carnelian beads measure 1 cm. Weight: 152,9 gr. Literature: “Africa Adorned”, Fisher, Angela, Collins Harvill, London, 1984, p. 169 WA166
