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.
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Your interpretation of the piece origin and material seems accurate Betty. Nevertheless and although the design is traditionally associated with chokers, it seems too long to be used as a "choker", maybe belt? Br
This is quite gorgeous Betty, congratulations! These chokers were worn in Yemen in the Hadramaut, and in Habani, and also in Ethiopia. If it is too long to be a choker, it may have been worn as a headband. My guess from the appearance of the elements and handling similar ones, is that you may find that the boxes and rectangle shapes are silver, and the dangles and bells are alloy. It is wonderful, I love these pieces. Congratulations!
I will add, regarding age, that the photos of women wearing them traditionally are from the mid 20th century, which is a pretty typical age for Yemeni silver. This was made differently than some other Yemeni pieces, with a lot of stamping/dies involved to make the parts, and less hand fabrication.
Thanks so much for your helpful comments, Lynn and Silver lover.
I forgot to mention that the total length of the silver elements alone is about 26cm (10"). I believe the chains and hook closure are more recent additions. It could for sure have been a headdress, but I do not think it has ever been worn as a belt.
I found a similar piece in M. Ransoms lovely book on p. 120. Hers is definitely a choker necklace sewn onto some some cloth and closed with strings.
What confused me was the light weight (ca. 70 grams) and (as mentioned by you, Lynn) the fact that it doesn't look as handmade as other Yemeni pieces I have handled so far.
Betty I do see your posting only now. These chokers are very much of Ethiopia as well. I do have a number of them from Ethiopia in different sizes. They are properly worn as chokers. The ones I have smaller and guilded are mostly from the highlands, Tigrai,Gondar and Harrar(town) This with the stones could be more Harrar, I have one with black stones as a choker but consisting of only squares.
The backs are always just strings (a but braided strings, not attractive at the back just like the Murias just on a robe string. You know Betty these are aactually also called muria's wedding necklace.
Gr. Ingrid