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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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Old Indian silver bracelet from Rajasthan. This type of bracelet is also used as anklets in India. The silver content is very good, at least 900/1000. It is made with a thick layer of silver, which makes this bracelet heavier (267 gr) than other similar examples (usually around 70-100 gr). The work on the clasp area is delicate and finely made. From the XIXth Century. It is in very good condition, and it has a very nice worn patina. Women in Rajasthan wear a variety of anklets on both legs, that can be solid or flexible. A newly married girl wears a number of different bands extending to the rim of the skirt. There is a set pattern that follows in the order in which these bands are worn. Right on the ankle rest the flexible anklet, and all the others above it. Check the post about Indian anklets here in my blog for more information. The inner diameter is 72 mm. Inner round perimeter 23 cm It can be easily fastened with a pin. It weighs 267 gr. IND1169
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Ethnic earrings from the Dong people, living in Guizhou, South China. From the beginning to mid 20th century. Fine filigree work and high-quality silver, with a wonderful patina. The earrings were filled at some point with wool for decoration. In a fairly good state, just one of the small silver balls is missing. They are 6 cm long (2,36 in) and they both weigh 28 gr. SEA238
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Necklace with blue, orange, and translucent glass beads, from the Naga people inhabiting the region of Nagaland, in NE India and NW of Myanmar. From 1st half XXth c. As the Nagas possessed no glass-making technology, these beads were traded. Dimensions: Length: 80 cm (31,49 in) It weighs 140 g References: “The Nagas”, Jacobs, Julian, Edition Hansjörg Mayer, 2012 IND1132
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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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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. 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. 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. Provenance: Ex- Michael Backman Gallery The size of the pendant is 61 mm wide by 41 mm high. The chain is 73 cm long approx. (28,74 in). It weighs 80 gr. For more information about this fascinating pieces, please see my post on Indian lingam box caskets. IND1151
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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
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This is a twelve-strand necklace of very small glass beads, in a red and yellow combination. From the beginning of the 20th century. Bonda women wear a big amount of this necklaces in different lengths, completely covering the front upper part of the body, and rolling them also around their heads. A similar type of necklaces is also worn by other tribes around the Golden Triangle, in the border between Myanmar, Laos and Thailand, like the Karen people. The necklace is approx 80 cm long There’s no clasp to fasten it. IND1352
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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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Old silver tribal anklets, from Gujarat, India. High grade silver, with extraordinary worn patina. They were cast in a mold. From the 1st half of the XXth century. The pins to lock the anklets are lost, Small dent in the inside of one of the anklets. Check the post about Indian anklets here in my blog for more information. Dimensions: Inner perimeter approx: 19 cm round (7,48 in). Inner diameter: 6,3 cm (2,48 in). Weight: 500 gr. IND1051
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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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Sculpted ivory ring from the Karen people in Burma (Myanmar). From the end of the 19th beginning of the 20th Century. The size of the ring (inner diameter) is 19 mm. Height: 25 mm. Reference: “Bagues ethniques d’afrique, d’aAsie et d’Amerique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2000 SEA04
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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 Chinese silver chatelaine pendant with a grooming kit. This type of chatelain is often suspended from a loop on the shoulder or from the back of a neck ring. Silver has not been tested. The central pendant depicts two men on both sides that may represent Hehe, the heavenly Twins that brings harmony, blessings and health. From the first half of the 20th Century. The pendant measures 30 cm high (11,81 in). It weighs 42 gr. SEA173
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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 pendant necklace, used as a lingam casket box. These pendants were designed as containers to hold a sacred lingam stone representing the god Shiva. 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: 70 cm (27,56 in) Size of pendant: 72 mm wide and 52 mm high. It weighs 151 gr. For more information about this fascinating pieces, please see my post on Indian lingam box caskets. IND1149
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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 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. 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. Provenance: Ex- Michael Backman Gallery The size of the pendant is nearly 61 mm wide by 52 mm high. The chain is 70 cm long approx. (27,56 in). Weight: 86 gr. For more information about this fascinating pieces, please see my post on Indian lingam box caskets. IND1153
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Pair of Berber cast silver anklets inspired from the oldest Meknes and Fez types, probably made in Marrakesh or Essaouira. Made of high-grade silver. The green enamel could be a later addition. The ram’s head hallmark indicates it is post 1925, from around mid 20th century. Dimensions: Diameter: 8 cm (3,15 inches) Width (widest point): 5 cm (1,97 inches) Weight: 360 gr. References: “Bijoux du Maroc”, Rabaté, Marie-Rose-Golderberg, André, Editions Eddif, 1999 “Bijoux Berbéres Au Marroc dans la tradition judeo-arab”, Rouach, David, ACR Edition, 1989 MAR62
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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. 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. Provenance: Ex- Michael Backman Gallery The size of the pendant is nearly 61 mm wide by 51 mm high. The chain is 62 cm long approx. (24,4 in). It weighs 106 gr. For more information about this fascinating pieces, please see my post on Indian lingam box caskets. IND1150
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This is a heavy matching pair of Turkmen bracelets from the Tekke tribe. Good silver content and carnelian gemstones, The silver was etched and fire-gilded. From late 19th Century or beginning 20th. Very good conditions, silver shows an extraordinary patina due to use. The Turkmens are a Turkic people located primarily in the Central Asian states of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, northern Pakistan, northeastern Iran, Syria, Iraq and North Caucasus. The bracelets measure 9 cm long. Inner diameter (bigger): 65 mm Inner diameter (smaller): 62 mm Weight: 455 gr References: “Bracelets ethniques”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2002 “Der Turkmenenschmuck”, Rudolph, Hermann, Museum für Völkerkunde, 1984 “Old silver jewellery of the Turkoman”, Schletzer, Dietrich, Reimer Verlag, 1984 ME57
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A gold marriage pendant from South India, worn by women in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The purity of gold is 22 kt. From the 19th century. The size of the pendant is 3,4 x 2,6 cm (1,34 x 1,02 inches) It weighs 4,3 gr. Literature: “When gold Blossons”, Aitken, Molly Emma, Asia Society & Philip Wilson Publishers, 2004 “Traditional Jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 1997 “Ethnic jewellery and adornment” Daalder, Truus, Ethnic Art Press, 2009 For more information about these pendants, check our post about Gold Indian talis IND1453
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Heavy Indian massive silver bracelet from Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan, made by the lost wax technique. High-grade silver (tested). From the 1st half of the 20th century or earlier. The heaviest bracelets of these kind were not meant to be worn, but were kept as family wealth. Dimensions: Total size: 8,5 x 9 cm Inner diameter: 4,3 cm Opening gap: 1,5 cm Weight: 285,8 gr Literature: “Bracelets ethniques d’afrique, d’Asie d’Océanie et d’Amérique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2002 IND689
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Old silver neck ring called “varlo” from Rajasthan and Gujarat, India made with silver wire wrapped around a thicker wire. Worn by both men and women. Silver has been tested as high-grade. From 1st half of XXth Century. The inner diameter of this neck ring is 16 cm 6,3 in). The inner perimeter is about 50 cm (19,68 in) Weight: 328 gr. References: “Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers “Colliers ethniques d’Afrique d’Asie, d’Océanie et d’Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003 IND1313
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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
