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.

Water symbols

Posted by Thelma on May 29, 2017 at 3:49pm
An elegant Tekke tumar with a distinctive character based on its decoration .... the profusion of water symbols both engraved on and cut from the silver surface .. an orchestra of carnelians (22): dark and fire, tablecut and cabochon, oval and teardrop shaped ... set vertically, horizontally and diagonally ...and a choir of five horned figures standing proud at the edges of the triangle. What is clear is that this expresses the hope for the birth of a future generation and for the protection of the woman who wears it. Nineteenth century. Turkestan, Dimensions: 29 x 25cm.
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  • Thelma May 29, 2017 at 4:18pm

    2506047739?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024This is a tumar fit for the daughter of a wealthy Turkoman family living in Turkestan at the end of the nineteenth century ... to be worn on her wedding day. And as a preparation for her new life she would have stored some prayers and sacred verses and possibly even some lucky charms  in the tube at the centre: the bozbend. This can still be opened, as shown, but all the personal papers and objects have long since been removed.

  • Edith D May 30, 2017 at 6:32am
    Beautiful piece! Congratulations!
  • Betty May 30, 2017 at 3:05pm

    A wonderful tumar and, as always, a well-researched description. Thanking for sharing this piece with us, Thelma.

  • Thelma May 31, 2017 at 1:03pm

    Thanks Edith and Betty. This came from a mixed lot at an auction several years ago so it has very little back story. But I think it is a very powerful piece with strong symbolic messages. I like the fact that we can enjoy the artistry and also understand, to a limited extent, the meaning.

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