Gilded silver Uzbek Kultuk Tumar amulet

Old Uzbek,Tashkent/Bokhara Quraan amulet holder which was worn across the shoulders or at the front as a necklace. They were used to hold mostly Quranic verses and sometimes a small Quraan full book.

Made of high-grade silver with fire gilded decoration. The chain holds some mother of pearl and coral beads on silver settings. The dangles are also made of pearls, coral beads and fire gilded pendants.

Usually this kind of amulets can be opened both sides with a pin, but it is not possible on this one, it is fixed.

This particular style with gilding was probably worn by Turkomans of Khorezem region, where almost three ethnic nomadic groups have over-lap influences, like Kazak, Turkomans and Uzbek nomadic groups, each using jewellery of other groups with their own touch.

First half of 20th Century, maybe older.

In very good conditions and with great worn patina.

The tumar is 13,5 cm high with dangles (5,31 inches) and 11 cm wide (4,33 inches).

The chain is approx. 92 cm long (36,22 in)

References:

“Colliers ethniques d’Afrique d’Asie, d’Océanie et d’Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003
“Jewelry from the Orient (Bir Collection)”, Seiwert, Wolf Dieter, Arnoldsche, 2009
“Kyrgyzstan. Ethnic jewellery of Central Asia”, Kadyrov, V., Rarity Firm LTD, 2007
“Schmuck in Afganisthan”, Janata, Alfred, Akademische Druck, 1981

ME14

SOLD