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Solid bracelet, made of high-grade silver (tested). From Sindh region in Pakistan. From the first half of the 20th century or earlier. Dimensions: Size: 9,5 x 7,5 cm Inner diameter: 6 cm Weight: 132,6 gr Literature: “Schmuck in Afganisthan”, Janata, Alfred, Akademische Druck, 1981 CA21
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Old silver earrings from one of the Hill tribes inhabiting the Golden triangle in SE Asia - border of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar, most probably from the Lahu people. They have to be worn on extended earlobes holes. The top ring tested for high-grade silver (+800), the dangles are made of low-grade silver. From the first half of the 20th century or earlier. Dimensions: Height: 12,5 cm Width: 4 cm Weight: 36 gr Literature: “A world of earrings. Africa, Asia America”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2001 “The art of silver jewellery”, Skira, 2006 “Peoples of the golden triangle”, Lewin, Paul and Elaine, River Books, Bangkok, 1998 SEA282
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Pair of moulded and chased fibulas from Essaouira, Morocco, worn by the Ait Haha people. These fibulas were collected in the mid of the last century by a Spanish doctor living in the area. The shape is a remainder of a ram’s head, which is a very important animal since pre-historic times. From early 20th century. It is hallmarked as Essaouira 1332 (1913) and a rooster head on the back. Dimensions: 13 x 8,5 cm Weight: 97,1 gr Literature: “Bijoux Berbéres Au Marroc dans la tradition judeo-arab”, Rouach, David, ACR Edition, 1989, p. 110 “Les fibules, deux mille ans en Afrique du N”, Rabaté. Marie-Rose, ACR Edition, 2013, p. 183 “Berber Memoires”, Draguet, Michel, Mercator fonds, Yale, 2021, p. 117 ss “Bijoux du Marroc. Du Haut Atlas à la Vallée du Draa”, Rabaté, Marie-rose et Jacques, Edisuc/Le Fennec, 1996, p. 163 MAR271
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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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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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Pair of silver flexible “paizebh” anklets from India. High-grade silver. From mid-XXth Century. They can be opened easily with a pin. This kind of flexible Indian anklets look lighter and more frivolous than the rigid pieces that can be found in other regions in India, but they are usually heavier than they appear to be. Women in traditional Central India usually wear several flexible and rigid anklets on each leg at the same time. Check the post about Indian anklets in my blog for more information. Dimensions: Length: 30,5 cm Width (with dangles): 1,7 cm Combined weight: 98,5 gr. Literature: “Indian Jewellery”, Holbein Hendley, Thomas, BR publication, Delhi, 2009 “Rajasthan's silver jewellery”, Pandey, Tripti, Rupa &co,, New Delhi, 2003 IND1577
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Pair of silver flexible “paizebh” anklets from India. High-grade silver. From mid-XXth Century. They can be opened easily with a pin. This kind of flexible Indian anklets look lighter and more frivolous than the rigid pieces that can be found in other regions in India, but they are usually heavier than they appear to be. Women in traditional Central India usually wear several flexible and rigid anklets on each leg at the same time. Check the post about Indian anklets in my blog for more information. Dimensions: Length: 27,5 cm Width (with dangles): 1,2 cm Combined weight: 94,5 gr. Literature: “Indian Jewellery”, Holbein Hendley, Thomas, BR publication, Delhi, 2009 “Rajasthan's silver jewellery”, Pandey, Tripti, Rupa &co,, New Delhi, 2003 IND1578
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High grade silver bracelet from Rajasthan, with nice worn patina. The top of it ends up in a lotus flower which is, according to the Indian tradition, a symbol of spiritual fulfillment. From the first half of the XXth Century. The inner perimeter of the bracelet is 18 cm round (7,09 in), and inner diameter is 6,3 cm (2,48 in) Weight: 160 gr. D40
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Solid silver bracelet from Timor (Indonesia). Worn bu Atoni Pah Meto warriors, who occupy most of what is now the Indonesian western half of the island. The silver ornaments were comissioned to silversmiths of Ndao and Roti, and the rijksdaalders coins from the Netherlands were melted to produce the silver. From early 20th century. Provenance: Belgian private collection. Dimensions: Total size: 7,2 x 5,5 cm Inner diameter: 6 cm Back opening: 2,8 cm Width: 0,7 cm Weight: 51 gr Literature: “Bracelets ethniques d'afrique, d'Asie d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2002, p. 297 “Vanishing beauty“, The Art Institute of Chicago, 2016, p. 222 “Silver from fetish to fashion”, Nadler, Daniel and Serga, pdn publishing, 2005, p. 255 “The jewelry of Southeast Asia”, Richter, Anne, Thames & Hudson, 2000, p. 211 INDO113
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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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Antique silver needle case pendant, from China, which was worn hanging from the belt or the shoulder. From South West China. From early 20th Century. Embroidering was a very important activity in China for women during the Qing Dynasty, and they always carried their embroidery needles in a case made of bamboo and wood for lower class women and silver for upper-class women. This example here is a double container, finely work with delicate filigree and in perfect condition. The set is completed with more chains and decorative and protective small pendants. The silver container itself is approx 7 cm high (2,75 in). The total length of the chain is 41 cm (16,14 in) Weight: 80,2 gr Literature: “Four centuries of Silver. Personal adornment in the qing Dynasty and after”, Duda, Margaret, Times editions, Singapure, 2002 SEA175
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Old silver choker “katesari” necklace from Uttar Pradesh, in Northern India. Each unit contains a foil-backed clear-glass “stone” The lower row has a central auspicious red dot (tikka). From the 1st half of the 20th Century. Dimensions: Silver part length: 18 cm (7,09 in) Width with dangles: 5,5 cm (2,16 inches) It weighs 130 gr. The string has been recently replaced and the size can be adjusted to the neck with a slipknot. References: “Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 1997 “Metallschmuck aus Indien”, Höpfner & Haase, Museum für Völkerkunde, Berlin, 1978 “El llenguatge de la joia”, Fundació Caixa Girona, 2008 IND1301
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Silver tribal guard bangle with big balls perimeter. These sort of tribal bracelets are worn by Dangee and Patel tribal people of Rajasthan, sometimes on the wrist or just above the elbow. One quarter-hinged part can be opened by a central pin. Very good silver content, with a great patina. From 1st to half 20th Century. Dimensions: Inner diameter: 7,3 cm Total diameter: 1,2 cm It weighs 126 gr. Literature: ” Traditional jewelry of India” by Oppi Untractht. IND1326
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Gold pendant from Rajasthan representing Bhumiya Raj, who is a deified hero, a landed military proprietor or chieftain who died in defense of his property, including villages and their inhabitants. This type of amulet subject is worn chiefly in Western Rajasthan by Hindu Rajputs, Jats and others. From the first half of the 20th century. Dimensions: 2,9 x 2,2 cm Reference: “Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers “Indian Folk jewellery”, Ganguly, Waltraud, B.R. Publishing Corporation, 2015 IND1448
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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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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. From the first quarter of the 20th century or earlier. It is in good condition, although both hinges are broken and the lid has to be attached to the base to be functional. Provenance: French private collection. The box was sourced in Saudi Arabia in the 60s or 70s. Dimensions (with bails): 6,5 x 6 x 1,8 cm Weight: 29,6 gr ME251
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A three-strand of small bronze pendants and beads. Each of the pendants (1 cm high) 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: ex UK private collection. Length (longest strand): 78 cm Weight: 107,7 gr IND1636
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Big silver ornament worn on the back of the head attached to the headdress as an amulet, to protect against evil eye. Used by the Tuaregs Tel-Aïr, from Niger. It is also used as pectoral in the Hoggar region, and as temporal in certain occasions. The five triangular small pendants have also a protective meaning. One of them is missing in the central lower pendant. From the 1st half of the 20th century. Materials: Silver, leather, copper, brass, and iron on the back. Provenance: German private collection. Dimensions: Total height with leather cord: 54 cm Size of the biggest amulet: 13,5 x 16 cm Literature: “Jewelry from the Orient (Bir Collection)”, Seiwert, Wolf Dieter, Arnoldsche, 2009 “Bijoux tuaregs”, Burner, Jean, Éditions du Fournel, 2011, p.163-5 “Colliers ethniques d'Afrique d'Asie, d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003, p. 52 “Tuaregs. Nòmades del desert“, Fundació la Caixa, 2002, p.131 WA147
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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 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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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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Matching pair of vintage silver and pearls bangles probably from Rajasthan, India. The core -on the inside of the bracelets- is filled with red laq, and the half wheels is covered with synthetic pearls are separated by glass beads. The silver is nicely etched on both sides of the bangles. From mid XXth century approx. Dimensions: Inner diameter: 6 cm (2,36 in) Total diameter: 8,5 cm (3,35 in) Width: 14 mm (0,55 in) Both weigh 99 gr. References: “Indian Jewellery”, Holbein Hendley, Thomas, BR publication, Delhi, 2009 “Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers IND117
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Old ivory earplugs from the Karen people, one of the Hill tribes living in Myanmar (Burma) and North Thailand. This type of ear ornaments was worn by both men and women. They have to be worn on extended earlobes holes. The object has been examined by an ivory appraiser and has a certificate stating that the ivory predates 1947. Dimensions: Length: 5,1 cm Bigger diameter: 1,5 cm References: “A world of earrings. Africa, Asia, America”, van Cutsem, Anne ,Skira, 2001 “The art of silver jewellery”, Skira, 2006 “Peoples of the golden triangle”, Lewin, Paul and Elaine, River Books, 1984 SEA14
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Old silver anklet from the Golden Triangle area in SE Asia. This type of anklets and bracelets can be massive or hollow, like this one. The two ends are stylized lotus buds. Very similar gold bracelets were worn in Bangkok in the XIXth Century. From the beginning of the XXth Century. Mainly worn by the Wa/Lawa people. The inside perimeter is approx. 21 cm (8,27 in) and the inner diameter is 7,3 cm (2,87 in) It weighs 50 gr. Bibliography: Anne van Cutsen book “A world of bracelets” Anne Richter book “The jewelry of Southeast Asia”. SEA290
