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.

Turkomen Head piece

Posted by Savanna Caravan on June 11, 2011 at 7:28pm

One piece of an identical pair, this gold washed on silver Turkman headpiece is also worn around the shoulders. Delicate gold washed cutwork, with softly worn carnelian agate cabochon. Six identical dangles and a centre focal piece. Perhaps 100 years old. Sourced in Istanbul. Does anyone know any more?

Comments

Johanne June 11, 2011 at 10:45pm

Nice piece ! Savanne. Tekke tribe I think. Tenecir temple piece. The same type you see as ear jewellery(with hooks)
Joost Daalder June 12, 2011 at 10:17pm

Savanna, I support Johanne's comment. I agree: Tekke Turkoman, and clearly a temple piece. While often referred to as earrings, "temple pieces" (i.e. pieces hung near the temples of the head - not religious buildings) fulfilled much the same purpose as earrings, hence the rather confusing terminology. I would think about 80 years old - but could be more - probably not much less in this case, although they were certainly made for several decades afterwards as well.
Joost Daalder June 12, 2011 at 10:46pm

This is among the better pieces you have bought - a much higher level than the rather crudely made cut-out plain, "repetitive" pendants. Though if you have bought those to trade, that is a different matter, of course!