Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Making and Marking Amulets in Yemen



Antique Yemen Amulets made in same pattern, signed by same maker

After my husband no longer traveled to Yemen, a trusted acquaintance would seek out special beads, matching bridal dowry bracelets and anklets, whole kirdan or bridal dowry necklaces and of course the signed bridal dowry amulets. My husband was interested in finding as many such pieces as possible and our Yemeni acquaintance, also a collector, was able to find a dealer who was able to translate a few of the signed pieces. The script used is an archaic South Arabian script and was not legible to most of the present Yemenis. 

Even though this exquisite pair of amulets was not translated, we can see that the signatures are the same. Our collector acquaintance was able to see that and tied the pieces together when he sent them to us many years ago now. We have left them tied together and wish to send them to a new collector as a pair. This is a rare find for a person who is still building a collection. I am in the process of downsizing my own to just the few items that my husband brought to me for my personal jewelry chest. 

The feature of this pair of amulets that adds to its rarity is that the large amulet opens to receive a prayer or blessing written and placed inside and worn on the wedding day and on other important occasions in the woman's life. The cap that is removable for placing or removing the prayer scroll has a tiny loop on it to make the task very easy. These pieces are in excellent condition. The smaller amulet, which is still large in comparison to most of the pieces in our collection, has loops from which once hung small round hollow silver beads, a traditional decoration for the amulets and beads of a lady's dowry. 



The small amulet has large loops through which the cord or chain would pass as it hung on the string of beads and amulets on the wedding day. The same style of loops on the large amulet were even larger and at some time later, they were cut down in a diagonal slice filed smooth and squeezed together to a smaller circumference. This was purposely done. A cord would not have worn the metal in a diagonal direction. Nor would both loops be worn so uniformly. 



These are spectacular chevron designs made by granulated silver meticulously placed in diagonal rows between beaded wire lines. The background is darkened and the Maria Teresa coin silver granules shine softly against the dark background. 

These amulets make a very special addition to a collection. 

Measurements: 
Large amulet dimensions - 1.3 inch (34 mm) diameter x 4.2 inches (10.7 cm) length (not including loops)
Small amulet dimensions - 1 inch (25 mm) diameter x 3.2 inches (8 cm) length (no including loops)


20 comments:

  1. Boy, they sure knew how to makes stunningly intricate jewelry back then. What special pieces there are, Anna. Thank you for explaining their uses - always find the information you provide fascinating. Sharing now.

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  2. These amulets are so exquisitely crafted and besides having the same signatures, they are so well matched in style. I really liked the amulet that opens up - like a locket. So special. I hope that the right collector will find them and appreciate your care in collecting and describing these treasures.

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  3. Thank you, Catherine and Pamela. I truly respect your appreciation and comments.
    Anna

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  4. Beautiful peices, I love the detailed work in them.

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  5. Another interesting read! Such unique pieces of history and beauty. I wonder what lovely bride wore these amulets so long ago?

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  6. She was probably worn down by the weight of them. I would say that these two are just part of the dowry load. ;)
    Anna

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  7. Such intricate detail in these amulets. Imagine the time, patience, and skill these demonstrate. Many today just can't be bothered to take time to do a wonderful job. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. The Yemenite silversmiths were the masters of such work indeed.

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  8. The amulets indeed are beautiful. The fact that they have the same signatures, found in different times, are certainly interesting. I hope you find the right collector for these 'sisters'. It's nice to know that chevron pattern that is a trend now has come along the way. Thank you for sharing.

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  9. Thanks, Nat, for letting me know that chevrons are trendy. The design was scratched into steatite vessels and ornaments at least as long ago as four thousand years, probably farther back.
    Anna

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  10. What a great post, Anna ~ thanks for sharing such history, information and beauty with us!

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  11. Thank you, Rose. I will check in to see what you made today ;)

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  12. The detailed workmanship on these is amazing. I am awed by the time and talent that goes into these pieces. The idea of sitting and working on these in less than ideal situations is amazing to me. I am sure the lighting was terrible. I wonder how much time is invested in one of these amulets. Just amazing. Thank you for sharing those.

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  13. And I just sold them today!!! They are going to a good collection and will be appreciated. Yes, Julie, you should see the 4 or 5 handmade tools that made up their entire tool collection to make these prize creations.

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  14. I am so happy for you that they sold. The buyer will be receiving quite a treasure. Thank you for making my night with your wonderful blog!

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    1. Thank you, Chris, for this very kind and thoughtful message.
      anna

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  15. I always enjoy looking at your pictures of amulets, etc. They are fascinating.

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    1. Thank you for commenting, Roxanne. I know how busy you are.
      Anna

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  16. Thank you for this very kind comment!

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