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.

Prayer Beads - Central Asia?

Posted by Peter Hoesli on October 29, 2015 at 4:14pm
I have difficulties identifying this piece. It is huge, weighing 580 grams. The gilded silver filigree is fabulous and so are the agate beads. At the end, there is a refined hook, which serves to half the length of the chain.
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Comments

  • Ethnic Embellishments October 29, 2015 at 8:06pm

    Peter, this is great.  The round silver beads remind me of some that come out of Ethiopia, though it is difficult to see them well.  The bicone bead with spirals looks like it has wires looped together- I have a necklace or head ornament with very similar workmanship, I shall post it soon.

  • Alaa eddine SAGID October 29, 2015 at 9:49pm

    Fabulous piece. i very much doubt any believer would pray using such heavy rosary!

    It seems as if it was used to be displayed!

    Nice filgreed beads!

  • Lynn Ardent November 1, 2015 at 12:13am

    This is a very interesting piece and in particular the tassels and complicated filigree work are gorgeous.  Does the stringing on the agate beads part look original?

  • Peter Hoesli November 1, 2015 at 3:53am
    Dear Lynn; The stringing looks original and is pretty much identical with the stringing used for Islamic prayer beads. The holes on the agate beads would definitely not allow a thicker string. Noteworthy is the small hook/clip at the end/center of the beadwork, which can be used to shorten/half the length of it. Also, the piece is featuring a thick red silk cord as well as silver wire on the tassel/silver filigree work. Quite interesting. With kind regards. Peter
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