Gallery

Comments

• 

  Ethnic Embellishments July 20, 2011 at 4:38am

  There are many variants on the Amharic script; liturgical script being particularly archaic and different.  I have two older Ethiopian "seals" or amulet fobs that I will try to post photos of soon.  The darker spots on the other side remind me of a low grade alloy solder that was perhaps removed quite some time ago.
• 

  Annie Boehm July 20, 2011 at 5:03am

  Hi Hillary,

  Thanks for the info, I would love to see examples of your amulets.  We were told that the script was "from the old days". 
• 

  Ethnic Embellishments July 20, 2011 at 5:30am

  From an African trader?
• 

  Annie Boehm July 20, 2011 at 5:34am

  It came from Kamol, in Seattle WA.
• 

  Ethnic Embellishments July 20, 2011 at 5:36am

  I know Kamol, he deals primarily in SE Asian pieces I thought.  I have worked at the Tucson gem show since I was 15 and I know many of the dealers.  All wonderful people with such interesting stories.
• 

  Annie Boehm July 20, 2011 at 7:11pm

  Hi Hillary,

   

  I stand corrected.  I double checked with my Mom and she says she bought it from a Trader named Alex. He sold it as Tuareg, she bought it because she fell in love with it. In your opinion, is there any good reason that Ethiopian script would appear on a Tuareg piece?   She loves it either way, but now we are really curious to find out more.  Our travels have been in SE Asia and we are seriously ignorant when it comes to North Africa.  It took one of this site's members, Lynne R to point out that what we were calling silver beads from Morocco, were actually from Yemen. Duh...  ;)
• 

  Ethnic Embellishments July 20, 2011 at 9:55pm

  I can't think of any reason why there would be Amharic script on a Tuareg piece.  My husband and I deal in old and contemporary Tuareg pieces and I must say that the linear decorations don't look Tuareg at all to me.  I could understand where the shape would be confusing, with the circle at the top, it has a vaguely Tuareg feel.  A unique and lovely piece to be sure!
• 

  Annie Boehm July 20, 2011 at 11:32pm

  Thanks Hillary.  Will you be at the LA gift show this weekend?
• 

  Ethnic Embellishments July 21, 2011 at 1:31am

  Hi Annie, no won't be there; we've not done that show yet, though we've considered it.  My husband will be at the Pasadena Bead and Design show the following weekend.  I'll be home with the baby and 2 3/4 year old!
• 

  Annie Boehm July 23, 2011 at 2:29am

  Gift show not too exciting today. Getting smaller every year. I'll look for your booth in Pasadena ;)