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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Peter, this is amazingly good! Such delicate work to have survived so long. The craftsmen in Aleppo produced really superb work.
A wonderful treasure again......I can see clearly now the potential links with the yemeni bird necklaces and those crafted in Syria.....a much more complex story lies there!
A gorgeous piece, Peter and the first one of its kind I set eyes on. Thanks for showing!
I agree, Alaa... and of course it is also reminiscent of the filigree link bracelets from the Balkan and Caucasus region. There seems to be great overlap in this wider region as far as jewellery-styles are concerned. Lately Peter has also shown had some Palestinian kirdans in a style that can also be found in Syria and all the way up to Turkey and the Southern Caucasus.
Dear All; Many thanks for your messages. Well, a key to all this is certainly the fact that Damascus is located on the Silk Road. Hence, a lot of traffic from the East and the Arabian Peninsula to Europe went through this ancient city. Also and as mentioned in one of my other postings, the Ottomans' influence in many countries in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Spain and North Africa, helped the spread of the designs, food, etc., each time a bit adapted to suit the regional traditions, etc.. I have seen in a book about Armenian jewelry as well a Kirdan, which looks pretty much the same as the Palestinian and Syrian ones but then still a bit different. By the way, did you know that the Armenian silver smiths, being chased out of their land, have made it to Africa. In Cairo, most of the silver smiths are of Armenian origin. The Armenian silver smiths went as far down (maybe even further) as Ethiopia and manufactured among others the crown for King Menelik II, besides being involved in carpet making, etc. etc.. With kind regards. Peter
Dear Peter, I can second your info about the Armenians making it as far as Ethiopia. And some of them were and are silversmiths. I do have jewelry made by Armenians in Addis Ababa in gold and silver. Once there was a school crafts and one of the sections was for jewelry making and the master was an Armenian. Also the private purchaser of Emperor Menelik II was an Armenian, I knew some members of that family. There is also an Armenian church in Addis Ababa. Many of them were and are traders and craftsmen. For sure they were and are a skilled and hardworking community.
On top of it when you mentioned Alleppo (Syrie) I got some traditional chains about 1980 a young Armenian woman who came from there brought me those (on request by me) made also by an Armenian silversmith. a very intriqued linked chain.
Because of Peter's essay I woke up to the fact to realize that quite a bit of my personal jewellery and table pieces are crafted by Armenians. Mind you the traditional pieces are mostly made by Ethiopians and especially the Tigrai people.
Dear Peter, a stunning piece of craftmanship, very eleaborate. I love the tassles, they remind me of the tassles on Betty's cross. Love the ribbons (daisies) as well, it reminds me of the ancient Greek and roman jewellery one can see on statues. The links themselves also beauties by themselves. An elegant piece especial to have in a collection and maybe sometimes on a specal chique occasion to wear to show what you have in your cupboard. Keep surprising us Peter. Gr. Ingrid.
Very interesting discussion! I have seen a few Armenian kirdan-versions last summer - the Armenians call them Van-necklace after the Turkish city of Van which once has a substantial Armenian population.
Yes after their dispersal Armenians could be found in places all over the planet. Very admirable craftsman and traders indeed and extremely hospitable on top of that.
As far as wearing this beauty is concerned: If it were mine I certainly would not be able to resist wearing it, Ingrid. But I am not sure if Peter can wear without causing much surprise ... However, you definitely have the advantage of having something more exciting to show than the average stamp collection, Peter :-)