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.

CIMG1343

Antique silver charmes(telsums) of the Harrar area. Not many about, because often the back has been worn through and the bail so worn that it cuts the threat. Often very lovely decoration.
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Comments

  • Interesting pieces, Ingrid! I have one very similar to the one on the bottom right.

    Could you kindly tell us more about these telsum pieces?

  • You know Betty often the back has been so worn through that you can see the little chip of charcoal they have inside in order preventing it denting. Some also do have double bails.  But often these bails are so sharp it will cut a threat right through so one has to force a bead in to avoid the sharp edge.  As I wrote in de description they are from the Harrar town.

  • Mine, too, was worn thin at the back and the back cover has become lose. My jeweller fixed it with some glue because he was afraid of damaging the granulation when heating the piece for repair.

    I love the ones with granulation, but also the one in the middle. The "flower-like" design seems typical for Harar. Do you know about its symolic meaning is it just a decorative design?

  • Betty I cannot answer that, we may have to cry for help for @Lloyd Graham, because hope I will get him to have a look at the Harrar rings as well. Keep our fingers crossed. Gr. Ingrid.

  • very sweet, all of them! Cannot decide which one Ilike best.......

  • Betty,and @Alaa like you wrote telsums with a dome are quite rare.  In my collection on photos I found only one amongst the many. The rest are mostly granulates.

  • Thanks for showing them again, Ingrid. They are sooo lovely.

    And yes, it looks very likely that mine also had such a dome. Thank you both, Alaa and Ingrid, for your comments!

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