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.

Kurdish Amulet Necklace

Posted by Lynn Ardent on May 31, 2015 at 5:19am

A large and extremely long Kurdish necklace in low silver or alloy with a double quatrefoil chain. The large cylinder amulet opens, and another small one hangs underneath with many botehs, flower/hand shapes, and circular symbols that I don't know the meaning of. The work on this is very nice, every single link is soldered including the hundreds of links on the quatrefoil chain. Perhaps from Iraqi Kurdistan? With many thanks to Jyrki Lammi. Detail view is in the comments.Dimensions:Amulet is 8.5cm x 11cm with the dropsNecklace hangs 60cm long115 grams

Comments

Lynn Ardent May 31, 2015 at 5:28am
Betty May 31, 2015 at 11:31am

Another one of your fantastic finds, Lynn. Congrats!

I love the Iraqi chains, and the tulip /bell dangles.

The same shape of dangles can actually be found as far-away as Latvia or Scandinavia. Have a look at this solje brooch:

https://ethnicjewels.ning.com/photo/something-small-latvian-pin-broo...

However, I would not construct any relationship in this case, it seems more like a coincidence...
Lynn Ardent May 31, 2015 at 7:41pm

Thank you Betty! I really love this and the amount of work that went into soldering every tiny link must have been incredible. I love the symbolism in ethnic pieces like your absolutely lovely brooch. I would really like to know what the round shapes are supposed to be, they are very similar to the round shapes on Palestinian jewels.
Peter Hoesli June 3, 2015 at 2:52am

Dear Lynn; this is a gorgeous necklace. Similar to Palestinian pieces, the Iraqi Kurdish jewelry is very soulful. I have some Iraqi and other necklaces waiting for me in Amman. I just need to take the time to pick it up and of course, pay for it... Congratulations on a nice find, Lynn. Peter
Lynn Ardent June 3, 2015 at 3:14am

Dear Peter, I completely agree and I look forward to seeing your new pieces. I have one more Kurdish Iraqi necklace which is similar to this but smaller and more finely made. I will post it after I take a better photo. Do you know what the round symbols are?