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.

Detail of cross, Iznaq

Posted by Lynn Ardent on April 9, 2015 at 1:09am
This is a massive and ornate Palestinian iznaq or chin-chain from Bethlehem. Each link on the chain is decorated with tiny knobs, and a link of twisted wire goes in between each figure-eight. In the middle there are two birds connecting the outer chains with the inner ones. Four flower-shapes adorn the inner three chains, with two red, one blue, and one green stone. The flower shapes on the inside are a pyramid, with a 16-pointed flower atop a 24-pointed flower. The 18 coins adorning the body of the necklace are all Spanish 2 Reales from the early 1700s -- the earliest date that is legible is 1717. In the center bottom, there is a floral cross shape made up of leaves unfolding on a filigree cross frame, and a flower inside a star. Again here are interesting numbers: 24 points on the bottom cross, 12 points to the star, 8 points to the outer flower petals, and 6 points to the inner petals. At the bottom is a Maria Thaler. This is a wonderful piece of cultural heritage and I am very lucky to be its custodian! Does anyone know if the leaves and flowers are supposed to represent specific plants?Dimensions:410 gramsLaid out this way, 16" long and 11" wide
Read more…
Tags: bethlehem, chain, chin, iznaq, necklace, palestine, palestinian
E-mail me when people leave their comments –
Follow

You need to be a member of Adorned Histories to add comments!

Join Adorned Histories

Request your copy of our newsletter.

If you would like to receive our newsletter

Click here