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.

Silver bracelets, Egypt

Posted by Jose M. Pery on September 28, 2012 at 4:18pm

This design of bedouin bracelets, known as "sleitat fadda", may be found in Egypt and, particularly, in the Neguev and north of the Sinai. They are also found in Palestine and referred to as Hebron bracelets. Its design is of stylized tortoises as a symbol of health and fertility. Some others see a scorpion instead. These particular ones show a halmark which seems to be the Egyptian "lotus" one that replaced the "cat" as from 1946.

Comments

Chantal September 28, 2012 at 4:28pm

Wonderful bracelets and picture..........Quite witty!
ait ouakli September 28, 2012 at 5:45pm

beautiful Bracelets and photo
Harald September 28, 2012 at 10:25pm

I love this type of bracelets.!

Did you buy the little statue in Farafra?
Harald September 28, 2012 at 11:30pm

Thank you Arie I did not know they have them "all over the place".
Chantal September 29, 2012 at 12:54am

@Jose, Harald, its still a lovely little statue -whatever it is- and a wonderful composition . Congratulations Jose.
Jose M. Pery September 29, 2012 at 2:15am

Thank you very much, Harald and Chantal.

The little figure I bought in Cairo when my parents lived there for some time. Certainly, it is not a Bernini's but it conveys far better the folk atmosphere I wanted for the pic. Next time I guess I should try one of my Greco's as a background. Maybe "The Flight to Egypt". ;-), Hah, hah, hah.
Chantal September 29, 2012 at 12:20pm

I cant think of anything better than the little statue (no disrespect to the Greco!).......When your parents were in Egypt? Is it when you started your wonderful collection (from the souks?).
Chantal September 29, 2012 at 12:21pm

Similar motif -the turtle- to the one Hillary posted a while ago (hers was a Palestinian bracelet).
Jose M. Pery September 29, 2012 at 12:39pm

Thank you very much, Chantal.

It was in 1990. At that time I bought my very first few pieces. Just a braided bedouin bracelet, a couple of Nubian silver anklets, a silver Siwan cuff and a mixed metals Yemeni necklace. Since then I have returned to Egypt on several ocassions and bought some further pieces as these ones in the picture. Others I have found them on internet.