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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This is absolutely fantastic Mustafa. I knew that you would know its origin. The fact that your chest pin was manufactured by the same silver smith as my bracelet is nothing short of amazing. But then, I guess, the gentleman was very active...
On another note, can you tell me what kind of hallmark the small dot at the top is. I have anklets, which I have purchased in Tunis, which feature exactly the same hallmark. I was told that it is from Djerba. I am sure that you know more about it.
Thank you so much for your great assistance - much appreciated. With kind regards. Peter
I do not see another hall mark except the mastersmith's one of initials 'LF' which appear on both of our silver pieces. The only thing I could gather for the small mark' for me very small to know' is it might be a small hall in the silver itself.. But I am almost sure that it is not a hall mark.. too small for that. However, sometimes they put the karat as 900 ex, 800 or so;;; but I cannot see that either in the small dot. I think the two pieces were crafted in Jarba long time ago by probably a professional jewish silversmith.... Congratulations again for this piece. When I stopped last time in Jarba I could no longer find any cuffs of this kind like yours .. I was lucky to get the two pins which I have posted in the forum sometime ago.. only.
I have got a pair of edibidge from the Siwa Oasis with the same stamps. The longer one is the stamp of the silversmith El Mekkawy. There are many items from the hands of this silversmidt family to be found in Northern Egypt, Libia and Tunesia.
Yes , I think you are right,this 'Deblej bu Thuma' was crafted and stamped by Mohammed El Mekkawy, who's work is available in Egypt and Libya. El Makkawy has his mark similar in look to the Ottoman Tughra , with his name clearly and artistically written. Sometimes El Makkawy has also his mark with his name written in a plain way as well. The cuff which is posted by Peter is a Tunisian one however and not from Egypt.
I see that Mohammed Mohammed El Mekkawy is using both of his marks in the picture of the cuff posted by Harald. One is artistically done , while the other is simple and round ' see the marked copy below'. Many thanks for the post of the 'Deblej' picture from Siwa Harald.
Thanks Mustafa, I did not know the round stamp is also from El Makkawi. I have many items that are signed by him.