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Old Central Asian silver ring, inset with light and dark blue glass beads. High grade silver. From the first half of the 20th Century. Provenance: UK private collection. The size of the ring is 8 3/4 american size or 18,75 mm inner diameter. CA232
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Old Central Asian silver ring, inset with small blue glass beads. Some arabic inscriptions are embosed on the top, maybe some amuletic words to ward off the evil eye. The color blue would also serve to the purpose. High grade silver and blue glass beads. It is a massive silver ring, no hollow parts. From the first half of the 20th Century. The size of the ring is US 7 3/4 - 18 mm inner diameter CA239
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Rare Minangkabau necklace, from West Sumatra, Indonesia. The necklace is made of gilded high grade silver (tested) and terracotta beads. From the 19th or early 20th century. Dimensions: Length: 60 cm Size of the each pendant: 6,5 x 6 cm Weight: 34,6 gr INDO146
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Turquoise silver Tibetan ring with nice patina, in a square shape. Pearls, turquoise coral and amber are very important for Himalayan adornment culture, as they are believed to have prophylactic properties. That's why they use them on necklaces, bracelets rings and head adornments. From the first half of the 20th century. The size of the ring is US 8 1/4 (18,5 mm inner diameter). The top of the ring is 1,8 x 1,8 cm. HIM145
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Vintage Indian gold necklace. These olive-shaped beads are made with 22kt gold sheets wrapping a wax core. From the second half of the 20th century. Provenance: European private collection. Dimensions: Size of the beads: 1,5 cm Total length: 62 cm Weight: 27,6 gr IND1715
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A pair of rare upper arm bracelets, from Hadramaut region (Yemen) and South-western Oman. They are beautifully decorated with etched and embossed work. They both have inside some metal pieces that make a nice soft sound when they are in use. High grade silver. From the 19th century or early 20th. In good condition, with some dents consistent with age and wear. Dimensions: Total diameter (each): 9,5 cm Inner diameter: 7 cm Combined weight: 88,6 gr Literature: “Shine and Mistery, the splendor and power of Oriental jewelry”, Hoesli, Peter, Knayf-Museum Iphofen, 2023, p. 169 “Silver treasures from the land of Sheba”, Ransom. Marjorie, The American university in Cairo Press, 2014, p. 184 ME270
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Gilded silver filigree earrings called "padung curu-curu" for women, shaped like small cones with many tiny spangles at the bottom. Filigree work decorates the sides of the cones, and the earring is attached to the ear with a post joined to a round disk, to which more spangles are attached. These were worn by rich Karo aristocrats, who used them at grand adat festivals. From early 20th century or older. Dimensions: 8 x 3 cm Weight: 26,2 gr Literature: “Gold Silver and Brass, jewellery of the Batak”, Sibeth, Achim, 5 Continents Editions, 2012, p.56-57 “Magie van de vrouw”, Vanderstraete, Anne, wereldmuseum, Rotterdam, 2012, p. 142 “A world of earrings. Africa, Asia America”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2001, p. 261 “Power and gold: jewelry from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines”, Rodgers, Susan, Presteg Verlag, Geneve, 1988, p. 275-6 “The jewelry of Southeast Asia”, Richter, Anne, Thames & Hudson, 2000, p. 202 “Gold Jewellery of the Indonesian Archipelago”. Anne Richter, Bruce W. Carpenter, ed.Didier Millet, 2011, p. 367 INDO169
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Central Asian bracelet made of high grade silver. It is a solid piece (not hollow) and have a triangular section. The ends and the front side are beautifully etched with geometric patterns, although slightly faded due to wear. I haven't been able to pin-point exactly the origin, could be around kashgar or Uzbekistan. From early 20th century. Provenance: European private collection. Dimensions: Inner diameter: 6,5 cm Back opening: 3,3 cm Weight: 55,3 gr CA260
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Massive gilded silver filigree earrings called "karabu kudung-kudung" from North Sumatra. This type of earrings was worn by women on their wedding day and during other ceremonies that mark a transition to a new phase in the life cycle. The form of the pendant, with its four curved silver strips is somewhat reminiscent of a lantern. From early 20th century or older. Dimensions: 15 x 5 cm Combined weight: 105 gr Literature: “Gold Silver and Brass, jewellery of the Batak”, Sibeth, Achim, 5 Continents Editions, 2012, p.37, 60-62 “Magie van de vrouw”, Vanderstraete, Anne, wereldmuseum, Rotterdam, 2012, p. 142 “A world of earrings. Africa, Asia America”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2001, p. 261 “Power and gold: jewelry from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines”, Rodgers, Susan, Presteg Verlag, Geneve, 1988, p. 275-6 “The jewelry of Southeast Asia”, Richter, Anne, Thames & Hudson, 2000, p. 201 “Gold Jewellery of the Indonesian Archipelago”. Anne Richter, Bruce W. Carpenter, ed.Didier Millet, 2011, p. 364-5 INDO168
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Necklace worn by Dayak Kenyah people in East Kalimantan, 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: Silver and glass beads. 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 Diameter of biggest bead: 1,5 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. 11 "Beads in Indonesia" Adhyatman, Sumarah - Arifin, Redjeki, Penerbit Djambatan, 1993, p. 79 “Colliers ethniques d'Afrique d'Asie, d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003, p. 343 INDO81
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Amazigh/Berber bracelets, from the Central Anti-Atlas in Morrocco. They are nielloed, although some of it is worn away. The dome-shaped appliqués seems to ward off the evil eye. High grade silver. First half of the 20th century or earlier. Provenance: European private collection. Dimensions: Inner diameter: 6 cm Back opening: 3 cm Combined weight: 246,8 gr Literature: “Bracelets ethniques d'afrique, d'Asie d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2002, p. 20 “Bijoux Berbéres Au Marroc dans la tradition judeo-arab”, Rouach, David, ACR Edition, 1989, p. 186 “Bijoux du Marroc. Du Haut Atlas à la Vallée du Draa”, Rabaté, Marie-rose et Jacques, Edisuc/Le Fennec, 1996, p. 93 MAR306
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Ancient Dong Son bronze bracelet, from Vietnam/Laos. It shows the typical Dong Son motifs of frogs and a procesion of cold and warm bblooded creatures. Reptiles inhabit the underworld realms of earth and water and also the earthy domain shared by mammals and human beings. Provenance: European private collection. Dimensions: External diameter: 9 cm Inner diameter: 6,5 cm Width: 0,9 cm Weight: 75,4 gr Literature: “Bracelets ethniques d'afrique, d'Asie d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2002, p. 276 “The jewelry of Southeast Asia”, Richter, Anne, Thames & Hudson, 2000, p. 29 SEA502
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Necklace worn by Bidayuh people in West Borneo, Indonesia. Worn mainly by men. 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: glass beads and brass bells. The brass bells add spiritual strength to the translucent blue and green glass beads. 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: 78 cm Diameter of biggest bead: 1,8 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. 65 “Colliers ethniques d'Afrique d'Asie, d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003, p. 343 INDO80
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Head ornament worn on the hair by married women in Central and Southern Tibet, attached to a big and impressive headdress. The cane structure that held these ornaments may have pre-Buddhist origins and reminds of the silver-encased hair constructions of the Kalkha Mongols, shape like horns. Materials: silver, turquoise, and copper on the back. Dimensions: (approx): 5,6 x 3,2 x 2,2 cm Weight: 36 gr Literature: “Himalayan treasures”, Giehmann, Manfred, The Manfred Giehmann collection, 2019, p. 54 "Gold jewelry from Tibet and Nepal", Singer, Jane Casey, Thames & Hudson, London, 1996, p. 136 “Jewellery of Tibet and the Himalayas”, Clarke, John, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 2004, p. 80-1 “Parures de tête ethniques d'afrique, d'Asie d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2005, p. 122-4 HIM155
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Old silver bracelet "bitäwa", worn by male members of the Amhara ethnic group in Ethiopia. Armlets of this kind were presented by the emperor to the most successful warriors. They were worn on the right arm. From the beginning of the 20th century or older. Provenance: European private collection. The bracelet fastens with a long pin. Dimensions: Length: 16,5 gr Inner diameter on one end: 5 cm Inner diameter on the other end: 8 cm Weight: 245 gr EA51
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Belt buckle from the Caucasus, made up of two silver elements with engraved and niello decoration of stylized geometric and plant motifs, enhanced with riveted nails and carnelian cabochons. Attachment system using a metal rod with an openwork button head connected by a chain to one of the two elements. The size of the belt buckle and the fine niello decoration shows the social status of the owner of this piece. Material: Silver, niello, carnelian and blass on the back From the 19th or early 20th century. Size: 40 cm x 8 cm Weight: 546,2 gr Literature: “Ceintures ethniques d'Afrique d'Asie, d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2004, p.123 “Ethnic jewellery and adornment” Daalder, Truus, Ethnic Art Press, 2009, p. 368 ME231
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Old tribal stud-type earrings from India. Decorated on top with gajre silver balls. From 1st half of XXth Century. Provenance: European private collection. Dimensions: Diameter: 2,9 cm The gauge of the back tube is 7 m The back edge of the earring that stops it from falling is 1,2 cm (with the small ring). They both weight 44 gr. IND1161
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Tunisian silver amulet. The cylindrical hirz amulet is completed with dangles with khomsas (Fatima's hand) for extra protection. High grade silver. From the first half of the 20th century. Provenance: European private collection Dimensions: Length of the chain: 64 cm Size of the pendant with dangles: 9 x 7 cm TUN12
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Man's silver ring from the Himalayan region, made of high grade silver and a three coral beads. From the first half of the 20th century. Provenance: European private collection. Dimensions: Size of ring: 11 1/4 - 21 mm (inner diameter) Weight: 13,3 gr HIM132
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Old silver earrings from the Yao people, one of the hill tribes living in the golden triangle hills on the border of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar and also the SW China hills. Mien and some Lahu also wear this bent arrow earrings. They have to be worn on extended earlobes holes. They have been decorated with blue enamel. High-grade silver. From 1st half of XXth century. The earrings are 3 cm high and 2,5 cm wide. Both of them weigh 15 gr. The thickness of the widest part is 5 mm. SEA247
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Large two-strand wedding Skhab necklace from Tunisia. The beads were made with a paste containing grey amber, sandal, musk, rose water, and other scented materials. The skhab necklaces were an important piece of women's jewellery in the Maghreb area, specially in Algeria and Tunisia. The scented beads were considered aphrodisiac, so the necklace could only be worn when the husband was around. Scented beads, high grade silver and cotton. From the first half of the 20th century. Although some decades has passed since the necklace was made it is still possible to smell the scent. Provenance: European private collection. Dimensions: Length of the shorter strand: 88 cm Length of the longer strand: 104 cm Size of the scented beads: 4,7 x 4,7 x 1,2 cm Size of the silver conical beads: 7 cm long Literature: “Le bijoux de Tunisie”, Samira Gargouri-Sethom, Dunes Editions, 2005, p. 123 “Le bijou traditionnel en Tunisie” Samira Gargouri-Sethom, Edisud, 1986, p. 41 “Colliers ethniques d'Afrique d'Asie, d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003, p. 43 “Jewelry from the Orient (Bir Collection)”, Seiwert, Wolf Dieter, Arnoldsche, 2009, p. 36 TUN13
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Central Asian bracelet made of high grade silver. It is a solid piece (not hollow) and have a triangular section. The ends and the front side are beautifully etched with geometric patterns, although slightly faded due to wear. I haven't been able to pin-point exactly the origin, could be around kashgar or Uzbekistan. From early 20th century. Provenance: European private collection. Dimensions: Inner diameter: 6,8 cm Width: 1,7 cm Back opening: 3,3 cm Weight: 84 gr CA261
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Central Asian bracelet made of high grade silver. It is a solid piece (not hollow) and have a triangular section. The ends and the front side are beautifully etched with geometric patterns, although slightly faded due to wear. I haven't been able to pin-point exactly the origin, could be around kashgar or Uzbekistan. From early 20th century. Provenance: European private collection. Dimensions: Inner diameter: 6 cm Back opening: 2,3 cm Weight: 71,7 gr CA259
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Silver ring from the Himalayan region. Made of high grade silver and a turquoise. From the first half of the 20th century. Provenance: European private collection. Dimensions: Top of the ring: 2,5 cm Size of ring: 8 1/2 or 18,75 (inner diameter) Weight: 23,7 gr Literature: “Bagues ethniques d'afrique, d'Asie et d'Amerique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2000, p. 155 HIM142
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High grade silver earrings worn by Miao Chinese minority in SW China hills. From early 20th century. Provenance: European private collection. Dimensions: 6,5 x 3,7 x 1 cm Weight: 19,3 gr Literature: “A world of earrings. Africa, Asia America”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2001, p. 177 XIN13
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High grade silver and turquoise ring, either from Central Asia or from Saudi Arabia. From he first half of the 20th century. Provenance: European private collection. Size: Ring size 8 1/2 or 18,75 inner diameter Top of the ring: 2 cm ME265
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Bronze box that contains lime. The box is suspended from the belt, together with a beaded ornament and spatula. Lime is necessary for the preparation of betel. From the 19th century or early 20th. Dimensions: 6 x 5,5 x 6 cm Weight: 174,1 gr It is overall in good condition, although the two parts don't totally fit, due to deposits of lime on the rim A similar example can be seen at the British Museum's collection in London Literature: “Ceintures ethniques d'Afrique d'Asie, d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2004, p. 160 IND1615
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Shawl clasp digra worn by Monpa women in Kameng Division, Arunachal Pradesh (India). Used to fasten the clothes, the bail was at the bottom when worn, with an ornamented chain hanging from it. Aka and Miji tribal women from the same division would also wear this garment. Made of silver and turquoise. 19th century or early 20th Provenance: European private collection. Dimensions: 13 x 12 cm Weight: 109,2 gr Literature: "The seven sisters of India", Stirn and Van Ham, Prestel, 2000, p. 46 “Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 1997, p. 139 “Himalayan treasures”, Giehmann, Manfred, The Manfred Giehmann collection, 2019, p.75, 80 HIM152
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Shawl clasp digra worn by Monpa women in Kameng Division, Arunachal Pradesh (India). Used to fasten the clothes, the bail was at the bottom when worn, with an ornamented chain hanging from it. Aka and Miji tribal women from the same division would also wear this garment. Made of silver, coral and turquoise. 19th century or early 20th Provenance: European private collection Dimensions: 8,3 x 6 cm Weight: 40,5 gr Literature: "The seven sisters of India", Stirn and Van Ham, Prestel, 2000, p. 46 “Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 1997, p. 139 “Himalayan treasures”, Giehmann, Manfred, The Manfred Giehmann collection, 2019, p.75, 80 HIM151
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Matching pair of silver hinged anklets natla, from Oman. The frontal side is elaborately patterned with engraved and embossed designs. They fasten with a pin. For a woman, after marriage, anklets were considered an essential part of the dress. High-grade silver (tested as more 800/1000). From the beginning of the the XXth century. Overall in good condition, they show some wear, consistent with age and use. Provenance: European private collection. Dimensions: Inner diameter: 6,8 cm Total size: 10 x 11,5 x 6 cm Weight: 860 gr References: “Silver. The traditional art of Oman”, Hawley, Ruth, Stacey International, London, 2000, p. 59 “Bracelets ethniques”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2002, p. 145 “Oman Adorned”, Shelton, Pauline-Morris, Miranda, Apex Publishing, 1997, p. 118 “Disappearing Treasures of Oman”, Forster, Avelyn, Archway books, 1998, p.73 “Shine and Mistery, the splendor and power of Oriental jewelry”, Hoesli, Peter, Knayf-Museum Iphofen, 2023, p. 102-103 ME283
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Lahu or Lisu silver earrings from the Golden Triangle (SE Asia). Surrounded by small pendants, a decorated bell hangs in the middle of each earring. The hook is a new addition and allow the earrings to be easily worn. From the first half of the 20th century. Length with hook: 9,5 cm Combined weight: 63 gr Literature: “A world of earrings. Africa, Asia America”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2001, p. 196 “Peoples of the golden triangle”, Lewin, Paul and Elaine, River Books, Bangkok, 1998, p. 61 SEA509
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Fon bracelet made of silver and worn on the upper part of the arm. More than one hundred years ago, the elite of the Danhomé Kingdom in West Africa would have worn these silver ornaments to adorn themselves and show off their wealth, and also to protect themselves from harm and evil. Fashioned by jewelers from imported silver coins, the ornaments were embellished with tiny sculptures that refer to past kings, heroic wars, and the Vodun religion. The coins attached to the ornaments date from between 1873 and 1910. Silver content is probably around 700/1000. Provenance: French private collection. Dimensions: Central plate: 5 x 4 x 4 cm Length of the chains: 20 cm Weight: 42,7 gr WA179
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High grade silver earrings from Oman, linked by a "mishill" headband made of finely woven silver. The silver band is passed over the head and it is meant to alleviate the weight of the hoop earrings. Worn mainly in North Oman. The silver band was worn under the head-cloth. A woman first wore the mishill at her wedding and thereafter she would have worn it at all festivals and special occasions. From Mid 20th century or earlier. Provenance: private French collection. Dimensions: Each earring: 6,5 cm (diameter) Total length: 40 cm Weight: 85,6 gr Literature: “Oman Adorned”, Shelton, Pauline-Morris, Miranda, Apex Publishing, 1997, p.64 “Silver Jewellery of Oman”, Rajab, Jehan S., Tareq Rajab Museum, Kuwait, 1997 “Ethnic jewellery and adornment” Daalder, Truus, Ethnic Art Press, 2009, p. 390 “Silver. The traditional art of Oman”, Hawley, Ruth, Stacey international, London, 2000, p.65 ME272
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Beaded pectoral called hapamat , worn by Kungrat Uzbek women, Central Asia. Women of these Uzbek group make themselves beaded ornaments, that are meant to be protective against evil eye. Unlike other ethnic groups of Central Asia that use silver or gold to make their ornaments, the Kungrats prefer beads to adorn themselves. Materials: Glass beads, metal ornaments, mother of pearl buttons, cowries and cotton thread. From the 60s' of 20th century. Provenance: European private collection. Dimensions: Pectoral:29 x 21 cm Length of the doble beaded strand to fasten it: 38 cm Literature: “Colliers ethniques d'Afrique d'Asie, d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003, p. 205 “Jewelry from the Orient (Bir Collection)”, Seiwert, Wolf Dieter, Arnoldsche, 2009, p. 259 “Schmuck aus Zentralasien”, Prokot, Inge and Joachim Callwey, Verlag München, 1981, p. 110 CA202
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Beaded pectoral called hapamat , worn by Kungrat Uzbek women, Central Asia. Women of these Uzbek group make themselves beaded ornaments, that are meant to be protective against evil eye. Unlike other ethnic groups of Central Asia that use silver or gold to make their ornaments, the Kungrats prefer beads to adorn themselves. Materials: Glass beads, metal ornaments, mother of pearl buttons, cowries and cotton thread. From the 60s' of 20th century. Provenance: European private collection. Dimensions: 34 x 28 cm Literature: “Colliers ethniques d'Afrique d'Asie, d'Océanie et d'Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003, p. 205 “Jewelry from the Orient (Bir Collection)”, Seiwert, Wolf Dieter, Arnoldsche, 2009, p. 259 “Schmuck aus Zentralasien”, Prokot, Inge and Joachim Callwey, Verlag München, 1981, p. 110 CA203
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Hair pin from Sumba, Indonesia Material: Tortoiseshell From the first half of the 20th century or earlier. Provenance: European private collection. Dimensions: 14 x 6,5 cm Literature: INDO42
