HEAD DECORATION - KURDISTAN-IRAQ - 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 DECORATION - KURDISTAN-IRAQ

Posted by Peter Hoesli on March 15, 2015 at 7:38pm

I had a couple of years ago the opportunity to buy such a head decoration. It was very expensive as most of the Kurdish-Iraqi pieces as they are very rare. Furthermore, it was not complete, hence, I did not purchase it. I was therefore thrilled to be given a second opportunity for an even greater piece - complete - only with a few beads missing. A fabulous high-silver piece.

Comments

Lynn Ardent March 17, 2015 at 12:48am

Spectacular, congratulations Peter!! Do you know if this was worn down the back as a braid ornament, or on the side of the head as a veil ornament?
Mustafa J. Salem March 17, 2015 at 10:49am

Gorgeous head decoration Peter, I love the way it was crafted and especially the triangular piece at the bottom of the piece. Congats. Peter for getting a better piece and more complete. . Good hunt.
Peter Hoesli March 17, 2015 at 4:05pm

Dear Lynn and Mustafa; Many thanks for your comments. I am not really sure how this is worn. I always thought that it would be worn at the back as a braid ornament. However, you can see on the photo that there is a chain with a hook attached on the ring, holding the triangular piece. This is a bit confusing. I will follow-up and if I personally meet the lady (I have asked the dealer to organize a meeting with her), I will definitely ask her. I am so impressed with the way she has kept her mother's jewelry. All were kept beautifully polished and wrapped up in a cloth for protection. I respect such people a lot as they sincerely care for these pieces. With kind regards. Peter
ait ouakli March 17, 2015 at 10:08pm

Absolutly beautiful and interesting piece
Nada March 19, 2015 at 9:23am

Beautiful! If like the Syrian/Jordanian dorsal ornament called arjeh, it would be worn attached to a head band that goes over and across the head and this particular adornment hangs at the back like a plait.