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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Tunisian necklace from the Tribal Show in SF.
Nice harz, very Tunisian!
Thank you Edith. The long chain is so thick and heavy on this piece I just love it.
The type of chain is called "selsela" As they say in this part of the world "Mabrouk!"
How interesting Edith-is it called "selsela" after a region or town?
I do not think so, but I am not sure from what root the word is derived...according to Eudel's dictionary, the word is also pronounced "sensela" and "designates an ensemble of rings." (p. 201) It would have been very labor-intensive to fabricate the selsela as each link is soldered by hand. It is a very secure chain and does a great job of carrying the heavy weight of traditional Tunisian ornaments.
I am so happy to have this information. What attracted me to this piece was the chain. It is a work of art in itself. I had seen photographs of old Tunisian chain like this but never before seen it in person.Thank you.
selsela or sensela or sersela does mean "chain" in north african arabic dialects.
In Morocco i know from first hand ( the grand son of the official silversmith of the GLAOUI PACHA of Marrakech) that they used to make the intricate braided chains by hand!!
No wonder this tunisian one was handmade as well. I had many of these and a close look and you see that each soldering is different!
I have got the same Tunisian Silsila (at least I thing that the chain is similar). Will post in a minute.
Thank you for the information Ayis. Yes, the soldering is different, each one of a kind. I wonder which type of chain was in the earliest use in Tunisia-the traditional flat hammered link type, or this type.