NECKLACE - YEMEN - Gallery - Adorned Histories

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.

NECKLACE - YEMEN

Posted by Peter Hoesli on May 16, 2015 at 7:59pm

This is quite a special piece. The box in the middle can be opened and closes tightly. I have been told that the tubes on each side are Jewish and the box is for Muslims, keeping the prayers, etc..

Comments

Sami Yousef May 16, 2015 at 8:12pm

This is stunning Peter! Its very bold and looks rather large. Br,Sami
Peter Hoesli May 16, 2015 at 8:21pm

Many thanks Sami. Yes, it is quite bold, high silver and rather large but then I have larger ones. I estimate this piece to be around 600-700 grams (I have it at my home and did not weigh it) while I have necklaces from Yemen weighing over 2.2kg... What I like on this particular unit are the engravings and the cover of the center box, which can be easily opened but almost snaps close. The closing mechanism is perfect and lasted all these years!
Chantal May 16, 2015 at 11:28pm

Superb and so rare. Where did you find this one Peter?
Joost Daalder May 17, 2015 at 12:05am

Great, rare, and most interesting. Congrats, Peter!
Betty May 17, 2015 at 2:23pm

Fabulous, Peter! There is a similar piece in Marjorie Ransom's wonderful book, if I remember right, which I have always admired. Congratulations on this rare find! Kind regards, Betty
Peter Hoesli May 17, 2015 at 3:32pm

Dear All; Many thanks for your comments. I bought this in Amman Chantal. It was brought directly from Yemen (I have met the Yemeni dealer in Amman but bought it from a local dealer). Unfortunately, this does not happen anymore these days. Most dealers in Sana'a have taken their jewelry back into the villages, in order to have them protected. Let us hope some of these treasures survive for us to buy sometime, somewhere... with kind regards. Peter
ingrid Langerak May 17, 2015 at 3:33pm

Fantastic Peter. Everything on this item is oozing quality and wear. Besides the coordination of the different religieus items, everything is solid, bells and chain. Must be a powerful amulet.

How the simple scroll holders offset the lovely edging work.
Thelma May 25, 2015 at 7:32pm

Oh yes, absolutely stunning. Is this piece meant to carry the Koran or simply prayers? It looks so large! Is it really meant for a woman?