Gallery

A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.

Antique Ottoman head cap (Tepeliki)

Posted by howah on June 6, 2013 at 10:21pm

Late 19th century. Gilded silver and coral.A similar one can be found in the Museum of Greek Folk Art, Athens.http://attica.unipi.gr/popup.php?photo_id=2778&lang=enThe tepeliki is a silver headdress ornament that was usually attached to the fez. This piece consists of a filigree rosette cap set with coral, with chains that hang on the brow. The use of coral was particularly widespread in the Saphrampolis region, a famous silversmiths’ center with many silver traders who supplied the Greek market as well as markets in the Balkans and Europe.

Comments

Alaa eddine SAGID June 6, 2013 at 10:40pm

Fabulous piece and fabulous pic!!

Are the coral cabs carved with longitudinal lines?
howah June 6, 2013 at 10:47pm

Yes, most of the coral stones have carved lines, some are more recent replacements I suspect.
Peter Hoesli June 7, 2013 at 5:11am

Dear Howah: This is a very nice piece indeed. Congratulations. Peter
Akkie June 7, 2013 at 6:42am

Stunning!
Thelma June 7, 2013 at 9:10pm

Wow. What an excellent photo... not to mention the tepeliki which is gorgeous. Congratulations Howah!
Joost Daalder June 8, 2013 at 12:44am

A fine piece, Howah. To your list of pieces for comparison add also the one on p. 370 of Truus DAALDER, /Ethnic Jewellery and Adornment/ - a headpiece, and with similar incised corals. These are great pieces, and hard to obtain.
Joost Daalder June 8, 2013 at 9:49am

The "detail" photo below is particularly good!!
Johanne June 8, 2013 at 12:11pm

Yes , a very nice find!
Harald June 10, 2013 at 10:57pm

Beautiful piece, Howah! Lovely coral too!

Is the link a picture from Benaki Museum?