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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.

Shayria Necklace

Posted by Edith D on September 20, 2011 at 2:36pm
This is another example of traditional urban jewelry from Tunisia, probably from Djerba. Silver filigree and stamped hollow elements, gold wash and glass stones. I think the necklace pre-dates the ribbon because a few of the dangles are different and possibly replacements. I think it is a fairly old example, but don't have anything other than the ribbon to date it. Does anyone know how old this ribbon could be based on the printed pattern?
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Tags: Tunisia, necklaces
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Comments

  • Patricia Deany September 20, 2011 at 2:38pm
    Oh my, I think I just died and went to heaven
  • Patricia Deany September 20, 2011 at 2:40pm
    If this is Tunisian jewelry, I think I will go to Tunisia soon.
  • Toya September 20, 2011 at 5:34pm
    Wow! I will go with you Patti! This is gorgeous.
  • Patricia Deany September 20, 2011 at 6:12pm
    Seriously, I am up to something like that, we should plan a trip -- I am seriously motivated when I look at this stuff!
  • Joost Daalder December 5, 2011 at 7:34am

    Because of my absence from Australia from the end of August until recently there is a lot of interesting material from that period here on "ethnic jewels" which I have not seen, and this remarkable piece is one of them. Lovely! I shall proceed to post this on the Facebook "Ethnic Jewellery and Adornment" page, Edith. By the way, do you know that??

  • Edith D December 5, 2011 at 9:27am

    Thanks Joost, I really love this piece.  I think this may be another example of the Ottoman influence, and similar pieces appear in both Algeria and Libya.  I recently discovered a photo in "The Silver Speaks" exhibit book showing a Syrian necklace that was remarkably similar to the North African Shayria necklaces.  I can only assume that this necklace has a common ancestry with similar Levantine necklaces, so perhaps the common tie is Ottoman.  Thanks for the Facebook tip, I will check it out!!!

  • Joost Daalder December 5, 2011 at 12:13pm

    Yes, the assumption that there is a common Ottoman tie seems very plausible - the influence of that empire was enormous.  As I look at it, with its crescents (moons) etc it is almost impossible to believe that this was not influenced strongly by Ottoman taste. The effect of airy delicacy is also very Ottoman - and very urban. I do like this jewel of a piece, and am so happy to see it posted - something quite new to me. I re-posted this on my Facebook page "Ethnic Jewellery and Adornment", and already it is attracting favourable attention there.

  • Eva Baby January 26, 2012 at 6:09pm

    this is really a beautiful piece. I know nothing about its style, but I feel that the ribbon is newer too.

  • Patricia Deany December 9, 2013 at 8:25pm

    I also love this particular shayria necklace, it is a bit more delicate with the filigree.

  • Edith D December 9, 2013 at 9:48pm

    Thanks Patti:  The filigree with applied stars and glass inset stones is really typical of Djerba, and I also love the fish pendants.  The Libyan necklace I just posted has more pendants, but I am very partial to the workmanship on this one.

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