Mystery Object Explained

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.

Mystery Object Explained

Posted by Edith D on December 9, 2011 at 2:45pm

Can someone identify this object for me? It is silver, hollow and about 19cm long. It does not open, the tube appears to be sealed. The shop keeper had about 15 of these with various surface designs. He said that this was used to tie a belt (????)

Comments

Anna Garner December 9, 2011 at 3:19pm

If I had to guess, I would say it is a YAZ, an instrument used while reading the Torah, so that the finger does not rub the scroll; rather the silver instrument follows the Word. The chain closely resembles a Yemeni handmade chain.
SARAH CORBETT December 10, 2011 at 2:56am

Yes Anna, Looks like one to me too.

Sx
Alaa eddine SAGID December 10, 2011 at 10:45am

Nice find Edith.

I have purchased one a while ago here in france, somehow differently chased (repoussé in the ottoman tradition).

I too thought that these were "YAD" (HAND in hebrew, used as explained by Anna) but after some researches, came to find out that they were part of the late 19th century male adornment as they would hang from the belt and be used to help thread sarouel's (islamic trousers) laces through the holes and make them fit tight around the upper calf

What is amazing is that the shop keeper had so many of them at a time, since they are suposed to be scarce items.
Anna Garner December 10, 2011 at 3:55pm

Thank you, Ayis, for adding so much information on this item. Talk about re-purposing! From reading scripture to lacing trousers ;)
Edith D December 10, 2011 at 10:47pm

Thanks Ayis! Once again you demonstrate an encyclopedic knowledge of North African silver, and have come to my rescue! So, looks like the shop keeper did know something about its original use! What fun!!! Thanks again to all for the thoughtful comments.
Becky Rogers March 31, 2012 at 11:52pm

I have one just like it. I also thought it was a yad, but it was missing the pointing finger. Mystery solved.
Joost Daalder April 1, 2012 at 3:30am

What an interesting object - and how admirable that Ayis once again could identify it. Most interesting posting here.
Lanajnaj December 22, 2013 at 7:36am

Bonjour Edith,cet objet s appelle < takek > et il servait a enfiler un cordon pour fermer les <sarwel > pantalons des dames
Alaa eddine SAGID December 22, 2013 at 8:12am

are you sure lanajnaj that it was a female accessoir?
Edith D December 23, 2013 at 10:07pm

Thanks Lanajnaj. Ayis, is it possible these were used by both men an women??? Isn't it true that the Tunisian women wore the Turkish-style balloon-leg pants in the late 19th century?

Gallery

Mystery Object Explained

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