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.

Fish Tail Pendant

Posted by Edith D on March 28, 2012 at 2:17pm

A modern pendant from Djerba in sterling silver. It is made in the style made popular by a 20th century Jewish silver smith named Moishe Nemni. The artist has paid attention to the detail on this piece by giving the tail a slightly convex curve.

Comments

Harald March 28, 2012 at 2:29pm

That is beautiful, like a whales tale! Nice design!
Edith D March 28, 2012 at 2:35pm

Thanks, Harald. Thought I should also include this photo of a real fish tail above a door in the Tunis Medina.
Ethnic Embellishments March 28, 2012 at 6:46pm

This reminds me of the whale's tale pendants found all over New England. They are often bought by tourists as a souvenir of their travels to New England, where whale-watching is a popular affair.
Harald March 28, 2012 at 7:27pm

Thanks for the photo, real nice. Is it a tuna tail? Also I like the shop front.
Edith D March 28, 2012 at 10:05pm

I am not sure what kind of fish they used above this door, but it could be tuna. Real fish tails are a widely used talisman here in Tunisia. Today I got into a taxi and the driver had a small dried fish tail hanging from his rear-view mirror! (I wonder if it will smell bad when the weather starts to get warmer?)
Joost Daalder March 31, 2012 at 12:37pm

Quite sophisticated!
Edith D March 31, 2012 at 3:25pm

Thanks! I think this is a nice example of a piece that manages to be part of a continued tradition, and yet re-interprets the traditional forms.
Joost Daalder March 31, 2012 at 10:32pm

That seems well put!