Shaved

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.

Shaved

Posted by Thelma on October 25, 2014 at 7:37pm

From the area of southern Turkmenistan just north of the Iranian border. An old Western Yomud button with characteristic soldered on, gilded, silver plates; and a typical blaze of spearlike forms radiating from the central green glass jewel. The figure 12 is important here, denoting the cycle of the year. The edge of the button has possibly been shaved away to provide a little silver for other things.... often the practice.

Comments

Thelma October 25, 2014 at 7:48pm

Here is a photo of the button in brighter light so that the colours of the old well worn stones can be distinguished ... brown, green, blue.
Lynn Ardent October 25, 2014 at 7:59pm

Lovely.
Toya October 26, 2014 at 4:45am

Another beauty for your collection!
Betty October 26, 2014 at 12:11pm

I love the old stones and the gold-silver contrast. Shaved or not: a beautiful piece, Thelma!
Thelma October 26, 2014 at 3:53pm

Thanks Lynn and Toya and Betty for your kind comments. Yes, it's striking but this particular type of button seems to have a common flaw ... the stem of the stud of the button seems to pierces the surface. Here is a picture of a similar button from the Schletzer collection where a copper rivet has been used (seen on the surface) to keep the stud in place.
Lynn Ardent October 26, 2014 at 3:58pm

Very interesting. Thelma, I love the way you deconstruct the construction, engineering, and motifs of jewelry. I always learn something through your comments.

I think I like the rivet and how it is a bit off-center on your button, it humanizes the piece.
Peter Hoesli October 26, 2014 at 5:36pm

Very nice indeed Thelma. Congratulations. Peter
Thelma October 27, 2014 at 12:51pm

Thank you Lynn and thank you Peter. Here (courtesy of Schletzer again) is a picture of a similar button being worn by a Yomud woman from Iskandar (tr. Alexander) ... an enduring reminder of Alexander the Great and his army as they marched through this region a long time ago.

But to find Iskandar is a challenge these days. Schletzer notes that it is in the region of Kazandzik in southern Turkmenistan. But all the names have been changed since independence and Kazandzik is now Berekat ... along the M37 motorway. When you arrive in Berekat, it's probably best to ask an elderly person the way to Iskandar.

Gallery

Shaved

Comments

Request your copy of our newsletter.