Head Decoration - Ottoman - 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 - Ottoman

Posted by Peter Hoesli on January 31, 2015 at 7:04pm

This is a very old and super rare ornament. It is very fine and light - no doubt museum worthy. A special feature is the silver-gold plated feature on the forehead with the blue bead to ward off the evil eye...

Comments

Betty February 1, 2015 at 2:01pm

Just gorgeous - I am starting to repeat myself for lack of superlatives that adequately describe your fantastic collection, Peter.
This most have looked stunning when worn and most likely was more comfortable than the heavier ornaments... With best regards, Betty.
Peter Hoesli February 2, 2015 at 4:04am

Dear Betty; Many thanks for your message. The fact that it is very light and delicate makes it very vulnerable to wear and tear. This is most probably also the reason that one cannot find such units in the market. I am very impressed with the condition it is in - all original. By the way, it looks absoluty gorgeous when worn - very unusual for I have never seen a similar old unit - only the cheap Chinese (or other) copies. With kind regards. Peter
Jean-Marie Criel February 12, 2016 at 6:42pm

This kind of ornament is typical of the Antep – Urfa region (as far as Turkey is concerned), and was combined with a felt hat (+ ‘tepelik’), brocaded silk ‘poşı’ (or ‘poşu’) scarf, silver chains, eventually black silk ‘imitation hair’, etc. The most elaborated headgear of this kind is seen in the Urfa region.

I wonder: were these ornaments also used in northern Syria? I presume that they were, but didn’t manage to do research there. I went to Aleppo in 1987, but had to go back to Turkey after only two nights stay (due to the financial regulations at the time…).

Kind regards, JM.