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.

Birds bracelet, Egypt

The main body of the cuff appears to be a "sleitat fadda" found mainly in the Neguev and Sinai in Egypt and also in Palestine where the seem to be referred to as Hebron bracelets. The addition of birds points out to Ottoman influence. Egyptian hallmarks.
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  • Oh, now I see, these are different pieces. 

    I am very curious what you will tell us about them, Jose.

    Thanks a lot for posting these beauties.

  • If you look inside, does it look like there was a hole going through any of the domes of the bracelets? 

  • Very curious. On the site of an Egyptian dealer I have seen (a few years ago) several bracelets that were extra adorned like these ones. It seems they "beautify" bracelets. Birds like these you see a lot on silver covers for pumice stones (for the feet), kohl containers and sometimes in the middle of a Zar water containers for healing. 

    Could it not be possible that the silver smith use these same ornaments (he has already casts for the ornaments) to make bracelets look more interesting or to cover holes?

    Hereby some pictures with "additions" seen on a modern, new ring and on an old bracelet.2506029799?profile=RESIZE_320x3202506035064?profile=RESIZE_320x3202506035153?profile=RESIZE_320x320

    2506035443?profile=RESIZE_320x320

  • That makes a lot of sense Harald, that the mold does excist already and it would be beautiful and practical to have it on a pumice stone ( for grip.) or other practical items for use.  Also Egyptian birds for table decoration are also famous.  Good thing you put in a sensible note.  Gr. Ingrid

  • Thank all for your comments. I have checked and, indeed, in two of the bracelets it looks like the birds/flowers are covering holes in the domes. In the third one it is not that obvious but it is also likely. I agree with Harald. I have also seen this kind of birds used in some Egyptian Ottoman pieces such as mirrors, handle for pumice stones, cup handles and lids. The bracelets bear different Egyptian marks. I have been only able to date one of them: 1936/7. 

  • These are really attractive, Jose. Are they a recent find?

  • I found one more example with birds, this one is somewhat older, I guess from the hallmark it is from the late 40th. Lotus any how.

    2506026371?profile=RESIZE_320x320

  • Harald,Very elegant utility silver wear.  I think all this table and ladies dressers silver wear was when there was a lot of interaction with the British? Gr. Ingrid.

  • That might be right, Ingrid. Thanks for your comments.

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