Head Ornaments - Oman - 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.

Head Ornaments - Oman

Posted by Peter Hoesli on February 18, 2015 at 5:56pm

The picture shows in the center a huge and very rare head ornament weighing around 1,300 grams. The ornament is featuring leather decoration and several special amulets for protection.On the top left and center right are some hair decorations, called Athgeel. They were woven into the hair and cotton drenched with perfume arranged inside them.On the bottom left, there is a hair ornament, which can be used also as a broche.On the top right, there are two head ornaments, used to keep the head scarf in place. The silver ornament (Sils) is very heavy. The leather/silver head ornament is unique and extremely rare. Actually all of these ornaments are very difficult to find nowadays in such a quality.

Comments

howah February 18, 2015 at 8:59pm

Hi Peter,

all pieces in the picture are beautiful on their own, but you have really achieved a synergetic composition through your clever grouping of the ornaments. It really showcases the skills and creativity of the Omani silver smiths. I am adding this photo of an Omani woman wearing a similar headpiece for visual reference. I believe it is from the book 'Oman adorned' and it most likely has been posted here on EJ before by another member.
ingrid Langerak February 18, 2015 at 10:35pm

Dear Peter, So pleased to see so many Omani pieces together, as I love the sturdiness of their jewelry, but I think the headpiece is just spectacular, but I am glad not to have been an Omani woman in that time. Looks like torture. The balls are the same balls (except in size) as the argobba jewelry, also their jewelry is more sturdy than the Highlanders and Harrar pieces ( which are more like the Yemeni). Now I wonder if there maybe a connection between them perhaps via the line of the RashAida( who are also said to be immigrated (nomadic) originally from the Oman. Also these type of hands are not uncommon but again smaller. How exciting what jewellry can play a role in placing and connecting people. Now I have a question. The pieces on the far top of the left side. Can you please make a separate picture of it, as it looks which I have in my hands and photographed, found in Ethiopia but an only piece I have. I thought it maybe a perfume (leaves or drench cloth in parfum holder. If you can , thank you Peter. Gr. Ingrid.
Peter Hoesli February 18, 2015 at 11:15pm

Dear Ingrid and Howah; Many thanks for your messages - much appreciated.

I herewith attach a photo of the Athgeels. The top left 4 pieces still have the cotton inside, which they would have soaked in perfume. By the way, such Athgeels are very rare to obtain!

The Omani jewelry is influenced by and has been influencing many countries and areas. Firstly, the Omani jewelry is very much influenced by Baluchistan. Generations ago, the Baluchi people were immigrating to Oman as expatriates, working there. They have brought their jewelry along, which eventually influenced the Omani jewelry design. The Omanis were seafarers and during certain parts of the 19th Century, Zanzibar was the capital of Oman, hence, the royal court of Oman resided in Zanzibar. When going south of Oman (Salalah), hence, to the border of Yemen, there is the Hadramaut. Therefore, you can see a lot of the Hadramauti jewelry looking like Omani and the Omani jewelry having an influence of the Hadramaut designs. This all must have also affected other regions and countries not only on the Arabian Peninsula but also eastern Africa. This is most probably the reason why you can find similar items in Ethiopia, etc.. The question would now be, whose design was it first...

With kind regards. Peter
ingrid Langerak February 18, 2015 at 11:26pm

O yes Peter, my piece definitely has connection to these. More crudely made but nevertheless I judged it right by thinking it to be a nice(?) smelling carrier. The shapes do correspond. Thank you. I will place a photo of I thugh almost a unicum for Ethiopia. Gr. Ingrid.
Lynn Ardent February 19, 2015 at 3:01am

A stunning display, worthy of a museum. I have a similar and modest ornament as the one on your bottom left which I will post now.
Eva Baby February 19, 2015 at 8:38am

wonderful! I am really enthused. Of course personally I love the hairdecorations most (Athgeels). Never heard that Name before, nice to widen my horizons......

Would like to mention also the tulip (?) or flower Pendants, which are so sweet.
Charlotte Dakin-Norris February 19, 2015 at 8:49am

These are stunning pieces, wonderful quality and I too have learned a lot today! I find it very interesting how craftsman can influence other artisans...like a domino effect!
ait ouakli February 19, 2015 at 9:04am

Dear Peter
This piece is stunning, i m a big fun of oman jewelry and always admire their love to details and perfection. I admit that this piece is one of he bests i saw from the region
We see her different forms and samples, also smith techniques that all harmony together
Athqeel means heavy in arabic
The deatails fotos are splendid too7
Peter Hoesli February 19, 2015 at 9:48am

Dear All; I believe that it would be very nice to have a close-up of the "Sils" as well. This ornament is being attached at the back of the head cover, in order to ensure to keep it in place. It is quite heavy. With kind regards. Peter
Charlotte Dakin-Norris February 19, 2015 at 9:53am

It's super to see it up close and I love the granulation on the bells. Is the back plain or just as intricate?