tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89221826578540564602024-03-06T01:07:35.399-08:00Antique Silver, Bronze & Gemstone Jewelry Styles in Yemen, Turkmenia & Ancient MongoliaThis blog will begin with the twentieth century symbols in the Yemen and Turkoman silver jewelry but will drift backward in time to explore the ancestral symbols of Turkmenia in the ancient jade ritual ornamentation of New Stone Age Mongolia, the origin of the Turkmen.Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-48279532834935343812016-02-11T08:27:00.001-08:002016-02-11T08:27:40.846-08:00Pieces Separated from Yemen Bridal Jewelry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Pieces from Yemen bridal dowry jewelry still serve as simple but still beautiful pendants, charms and beads that can be combined with contemporary jewelry elements to good effect. I offer some examples here:<br />
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Antique Yemen Silver Amulet, Beads, Terminals, Lapis Lazuli Necklace</span></h4>
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CONTACT ME for price and shipping information. Use the private message form at top left.</div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">This necklace is assembled from pieces of old Yemen silver jewelry made by the Yemenite Jewish silversmiths as dowry jewels and bridal finery to be worn at the wedding and at significant events later in the bride’s life. The focus of this necklace is the Yemen coin silver amulet made from melting down Maria Theresa thalers, an international currency at that period in history. This kind of amulet is also known as a hirz, qtub, or mezuzah. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">This hirz can be described in English as a Yemen antique silver amulet made to contain a prayer or blessing to be worn as part of the bridal dowry on a woman's wedding day. You can see where the Yemen Jewish silversmith signed the piece on a cartouche of molten silver in its traditional place between the loops on top of the amulet. The silversmith signed it in the archaic Arabic script that was used in Yemen even up into the early part of the twentieth century, when this piece was made, some time around 1930. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">This kind of work is no longer being done in Yemen, because the Jewish silversmiths moved along with the others in the Jewish community to their new home in Israel in the late 1940s. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">The small flat divider bead that hangs above the amulet is made in the Bawsani style of inlaid filigree. The columnar Bedihi beads are very rare and we are very fortunate to have found them through our agent in Yemen some years ago, before the current troubles in Yemen began. The terminal pieces are almost unavailable nowadays. Fortunately, our family came into possession of a bag full of them several years ago, and I found this beautiful pair to decorate the ends of the strands on this lapis beaded kirdan style necklace. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">The lapis lazuli beads are high grade nuggets of lapis from Afghanistan. The small white separator beads are made of natural bone. The chain that goes around the back of the neck of the wearer is an old handmade Yemen chain. The lobster clasp is modern silver plated metal. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">This necklace will mark the wearer as a person who not only recognizes beauty but also values the history of her jewelry. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Necklace length - 23 inches (58.5 cm)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Pendant dimensions - 1.9 cm x 6.2 cm (0.75 in x 2.5 in)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Pendant dimensions including flat bead and dangles - 64 mm x 62 mm (2.5 x 2.5 in)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Silver terminal length - 4.6 cm (1.8 in)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1R9xcazTCsfz5eaPt7wseQTqupl-uGpfnIUAWN7Mpi_bIn8DyXcMmeYq-l5udOq1SKtjk5W6yFrpyBsH-l7WQl6ZIk6dKgpgCKGfZatiU-HccL0Vk8xyP3uWTI_AH_rF0zKyGm6EJ_Ktc/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_filigree_amulet_with_hollow_silver_bead_dangles_adedb2c3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1R9xcazTCsfz5eaPt7wseQTqupl-uGpfnIUAWN7Mpi_bIn8DyXcMmeYq-l5udOq1SKtjk5W6yFrpyBsH-l7WQl6ZIk6dKgpgCKGfZatiU-HccL0Vk8xyP3uWTI_AH_rF0zKyGm6EJ_Ktc/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_filigree_amulet_with_hollow_silver_bead_dangles_adedb2c3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Antique Yemen Silver Filigree Amulet with Hollow Silver Bead Dangles</span></h4>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">This is a fine antique Yemen Silver Amulet made in the traditional method with fine open filigree work with clusters of the granules of silver on the ends. This is a decorative amulet that is not made for containing prayers or blessings such as the ones that have filigree inlay over the closed cylinder that contains prayers or blessings. The amulets whether they contain prayers or are deorative are also called hirz, q'tub (kitab), or mezuzzah. Since this is a relatively small amulet, it probably hung on a cord with other amulets, one being the large one that opened to insert the actual prayers. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Dated to the early 1900s, such amulets were created especially for the Yemen brides to wear as their dowry, their store of silver to provide them with security, as their dowry was their own property. Silver in the form of beautiful jewelry also gave the woman status among her peers. And of course, the load of silver jewelry adorning her from the top of her head to the tip of her toes made her even more beautiful on her wedding day. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">This is made of silver from the Maria Theresa thalers that came into Yemen from Europe through foreign trade for Yemen's raw materials or coffee. This would have been created as bride wealth for a woman to wear on her wedding day and then at the birth of each of her children. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">I provided this valuable collectible with a silver plated chain with a lobster claw clasp so that you can wear it as jewelry. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">No charge for shipping to U.S. addresses.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Measurements: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Length of chain - 18 inches </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Amulet - 44 mm (1.75 inches) x 40 mm (1.6 inches) including loops and dangles.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Old Yemen Silver Wheel Bead with Coral, Amber, Bone Beaded Necklace</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">CONTACT ME for pricing and shipping information. Use the private message form at top left of this page. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Close-up of Yemen granulated silver wheel bead.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">In making this necklace I raided my stash of old butterscotch and egg yolk amber resin beads. This necklace demanded more beads and more of a variety due to the importance of the focal bead. It is an old Yemen silver alloy bead made in the standard granulation style. Tiny beads of silver are dropped onto a wire or solid background metal in rows or in patterns. The small beads made in this way are called berry beads, while these larger diameter granulated beads like this one are called wheel beads. They resemble a lugged tire. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">This one is large enough that it needed large decorative beads to surround it. The Yemen silversmiths, along with the desert nomads, preferred two kinds of beads to string with their silver creations: coral and amber. When the old natural frankincense amber became too expensive for them to string with their beautiful silver, they turned to the modern imitations of amber coming from Europe and North Africa. For a long while the Mediterranean natural coral remained available to them. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Unfortunately, the Mediterranean coral beads are very scarce and expensive at present. For this piece, I decided to use the dyed natural coral from the Pacific which is naturally much paler and grows thicker branches than the old Mediterranean type. I chose for the foil against which the silver, amber resin and coral would play a handful of my tray of dyed bone beads, shaped by hand and quite at home in a nomadic style of necklace such as this one. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">The necklace contains three antique Yemen silver beads, four of the Pacific coral beads and 27 bone beads. The remainder of the beads, including the fastener are made of vintage amber resin beads. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Necklace length - 26 inches (66 cm)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Wheel bead dimensions - 25 mm diam. x 16 mm wide (1 in x 0.63 in )</span></div>
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Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-83683182643939964102016-01-06T20:08:00.000-08:002016-01-06T20:14:19.084-08:00Yemeni Nomad Jewelry Finds <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Old Yemen Silver Coin and Beads on Goat Hide Leather Headband</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">Silver headbands were a common accessory worn by Yemeni women in the early 1900s. The methods of making the complex forms and links that made a silver piece flexible and soft enough to be worn across the forehead for a long time are no longer practiced widely in Yemen. The Jewish silversmiths who made those intricately woven silver accessories emigrated to Israel in the early 1900s.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">Since that time, individual pieces of silver such as the coins and granulated bell-shaped beads, adorned with matching rose coral beads could be assembled from the remains of the older pieces and re-used as in this headband. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">It is one of a kind, original, authentic Yemeni folk art and is beautiful in its balance, comfortable because of the soft goat leather and is complete, just as the maker put it together. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">It appears to have simply been tied around the head, since the ends are very tapered, but no holes have been punched as if a needle had sewn it together. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">The large coin is the Maria Theresa thaler, a major source for silver jewelry making in the 19th and early 20th century in Yemen. The face of the monarch, Maria Theresa, is turned to the back, and hidden by the leather backing. It was once furnished with a bail for hanging; the bail is decorated with a charming granulated rosette. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">The other coins are Yemeni, and I cannot see the date on them, but they no doubt precede considerably the fabrication of this piece, as would the 1798 date on most Maria Theresa thalers! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">The coral is closely matched in size and color and is obviously old Mediterranean real, natural rose coral. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">Inquiries invited. As you can see, I like to discuss the items in my collection.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">I offer a <b>Reserve and Pay in Partial Payments over 3 months</b> for all purchases of $300.00 or more. If you are interested, please contact me and we can make an arrangement that suits your needs. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">Unless the customer requests and pays for an expedited method, domestic and international shipping is via United States Postal Service. The item will be wrapped carefully and packed in protective material in a postal service approved package. Delivery confirmation and insurance will be paid by me, the Seller. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;"> On purchases amounting to $300 or more, the shipping will be free. Otherwise, the shipping charge will be shown before checking out. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">I accept returned items if they are in the same condition as when shipped and if returned within a reasonable amount of time after receiving them. An item can be returned for any reason. I guarantee your satisfaction. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;"><b>For international buyers</b>, it is important to note: If you need to know what import or VAT taxes your country may charge, please consult your Postal Service or government Tax Office.</span></div>
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Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-30563816912269739912015-12-19T10:10:00.000-08:002016-01-06T19:23:24.782-08:00Yemen Silver Beads from Kirdan Bridal Necklace<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Antique Yemen Silver Amulet, Large Silver Melon Beads Chain Necklace</h2>
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Details</h3>
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From my own collection of precious cultural relics of the Yemenites, I offer this antique Yemen silver amulet or prayer cylinder, large melon-shaped banded and striated silver beads in a traditional pattern of the early 1900s. Smaller silver beads separate the large beads from the amulet and from each other. All the beads and the amulet were made around 1900 and my family collected them around 2000 in Yemen. The Jewish silversmiths who did this kind of work had emigrated to Israel by 1948 and no one has made this kind of silver jewelry in Yemen since. <br />
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The jewel chest in the photo is also from Yemen, and is filled with amber beads from Yemen, but it is not for sale. It is appropriate to display this chain of large beads and the unusually decorated amulet near a wood chest, because they were part of a bride's dowry. Among the people of the Middle East, the dowry is the equivalent of a hope chest and wedding shower. <br />
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The family, the groom, and friends contribute the gifts of silver. Usually, those gifts, whether in coinage or in silver pieces from previous generations, are melted down and new beads, amulets, chains, veil and hair ornaments, rings, bracelets and anklets are made for the bride to wear on her wedding day and then to use as a treasury if she needs to spend it for necessities later in her marriage. <br />
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At the birth of each child, she will wear the jewelry again to receive the visitors who come to congratulate her. <br />
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Only the necklace is for sale, not the props in the photos.<br />
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The chain and fastener are modern antiqued silver plate.<br />
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Amulet is 26 mm diam x 7.6 cm long </div>
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Price: $650 U. S. <b>Contact me</b> for invoice or with questions through the private message form at the top left of this page. </div>
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Yemeni Silversmith</h4>
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Bridal Dowry</h4>
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1930s</h4>
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Very Good</h4>
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Yemen</h4>
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silver</h4>
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More Info</h3>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">International Buyers are welcome to my California based shop. Please browse, ask questions, discuss items, shipping, or guarantees. Please use the Contact Seller link, not the comment box. I am happy to respond quickly to any of your inquiries. I will consider shipping to other countries than are listed here, depending on the import regulations of the country.</span></h3>
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Unless the customer requests and pays for an expedited method, domestic and international shipping is via United States Postal Service. The item will be wrapped carefully and packed in protective material in a postal service approved package. Delivery confirmation and insurance will be paid by me, the Seller.<br />
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On high value items, the shipping will be free. Otherwise, the shipping charge will be as noted at the Shipping tab of the item listed for sale.<br />
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I accept returned items if they are in the same condition as when shipped and if returned within a reasonable amount of time after receiving them. An item can be returned for any reason. I guarantee your satisfaction.<br />
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For international buyers, it is important to note: If you need to know what import or VAT taxes your country may charge, please consult your Postal Service or government Tax Office.</div>
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Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-46526858788796051652015-07-21T10:38:00.001-07:002016-01-06T20:21:03.294-08:00Turkoman Ersari Tribal Silver Jewelry <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Some of the most elegant jewelry produced in the late 1800s to early 1900s came from the hands of the Ersari tribe silversmiths. The traditional Turkoman symbols are more important to the Ersari craftsmen than the encrustation of the silver with multi-colored jewels such as pieces made in the Bukhara tribal tradition. For example:<br />
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Antique Turkoman Tribal Silver Pendant Asik Ersari Design</div>
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CONTACT ME through the private message form above right. </div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">Antique silver Turkoman pendant called asik by the Turkoman. This plain ungilded silver with a certain cut of the gemstone is characteristic of the Ersari tribe of pre-1900, according to Dieter and Reinhold Schletzer, Old Silver Jewelry of the Turkoman. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">There are circular tracings for decorations along the raised section markers of the asik. The carnelian in the center is cut irregularly, slightly domed but baroque on its surface. The ruby red gemstones or glass? are incised with symbols of a crescent moon and stars. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">I assume these represent Moslem symbols, as the Turkoman people were not moon worshippers according to the history recorded by Messrs. Schletzer. The Turkmen honored ancestors, the mountains which were their original homeland, and the family. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">The asik seems heart-shaped to us, but to the Turkmen it suggests part of the female anatomy. It is a symbol for wife and mother to wear. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">This piece was collected in Afghanistan. The Ersari live in the northern regions of Afghanistan and wear such asik as this one. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">Note that the wire is only for holding the pendant for display. It is not a part of the piece. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(50, 51, 51); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">The piece is large, measuring 8.3 inches long and 5.5 inches wide </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(50, 51, 51); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';">This Ersari veil ornament shows the same understated elegance as the asik above: </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUB8C2PNKIWTyl6kxO-nfKyxo2Z5uDkvxLg3itB4AglzohroegWVChpqMUzL9IB5JyPSejJoGKAMo-0mD-UeMJiRfEx0HHW_lvYsh-y4lgwafQXRlcoCBOSVDyU5DPa_bPSUEY7l-T9pU/s1600/antique_turkoman_silver_ersari_tribal_hair_ornament_ersari_tribe__c1ab8091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUB8C2PNKIWTyl6kxO-nfKyxo2Z5uDkvxLg3itB4AglzohroegWVChpqMUzL9IB5JyPSejJoGKAMo-0mD-UeMJiRfEx0HHW_lvYsh-y4lgwafQXRlcoCBOSVDyU5DPa_bPSUEY7l-T9pU/s400/antique_turkoman_silver_ersari_tribal_hair_ornament_ersari_tribe__c1ab8091.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
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Antique Turkoman Silver Ersari Tribal Hair Ornament</div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">This is an ornament that the Turkoman woman or Turkmen women wear attached to their braided hair. The ornament hangs from the back of the crown of the head when the dangles are on such long chains as this one. The shorter ornaments for the hair are sometimes attached to the hair just above each ear and are worn as pairs. This type is sometimes pinned to a head covering rather than to the hair. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">This tenecir, which is the Turkic language term for this ornament, is made in the typical Ersari tribal style of good silver and is in excellent condition for its age of over a hundred years. For the age of this style of work I refer you to Reinhold and Dieter Schletzer's work entitled Old Silver Jewellery of the Turkoman. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">The carnelian is the favorite gemstone of the Turkoman people. This particular gemstone is table cut or flat cut and was not perfect when it was set. This flaw did not bother the tribal mentality of that period of Central Asian history. In fact, if a silversmith made a flawless piece of jewelry, he might punch a small hole in it or purposely do slight damage to the piece so as not to tempt supernatural powers that might take revenge on him for his pride of work. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">However, I do not hesitate to recommend this beauty as a perfect addition to your Turkoman tribal silver collection. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">Measurements: 16 in (40.5 cm) long x 2.75 in (7 cm) wide</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">A sampling:</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/home/craftsofthepast/0/0/10159"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JH6J9Gt5v90/Va6DDqhDrQI/AAAAAAAAMo4/F6zexFiAkfM/s640/Turkomanshopsection.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">For more information on these jewelry pieces from my collection, send your inquiry through the private email form above left.</span></b></div>
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Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-26993256720362929802015-07-10T08:38:00.001-07:002016-01-07T07:30:20.449-08:00A Blend of Silver Amulets and Beads from the Middle East<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yemen Amulets, ornate Iranian silver beads and composite turquoise beads celebrate the trade routes across Iran into Yemen. I must add that I collected the beads and amulets while I lived in the Middle East and now offer this blend of cultures.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_ru_QU0Pg8/VZ_j66XiEeI/AAAAAAAAMik/TgfNeIXB_wg/s1600/antique_silver_amulets_from_middle_east_0cc6d8e3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_ru_QU0Pg8/VZ_j66XiEeI/AAAAAAAAMik/TgfNeIXB_wg/s400/antique_silver_amulets_from_middle_east_0cc6d8e3.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
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This necklace is modeled on Afghan bazaar style combinations of gemstones and silver from all over Western and Central Asia. All the pieces are old, including the turquoise disk beads. The beautifully handmade faceted Afghan silver beads and Yemeni coin silver amulets are from the early 1900s. The amulets were collected in Yemen by a member of my family in the 1970s. The jet beads are European and have been in my loose bead trays for a long time. </div>
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The green blue natural composite turquoise and the black and silver bead colors strike the eye when worn on a colorful garment. I highly recommend this necklace to women who wear red.</div>
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The ornate wheat grain shaped silver beads are from Iran, collected by a member of my family in 1973. </div>
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The blue beads strung on the top of the larger amulet are of the Nueva Cadiz type, but I cannot be sure of their age. They are old, but I cannot say how old. They were bought on a string with an Egyptian faience statuette but I doubt that they are old enough to belong with an ancient Egyptian artifact. They are probably pre-1950, but cannot be dated much earlier. We can safely say that they are an old reproduction of the more ancient beads. </div>
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The 25-year-old fastener is of pewter. These pieces are from my own collection, including the fastener. </div>
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Measurements: 65 cm (26 in) long; central amulet is 6.6 cm (2.6 in) long x 18 mm ().72 in) dam; turquoise beads are 9 mm (0.35 in) dam. Weight: 102 grams (3.6 ozs.)<br />
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Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-75542060989894228492015-04-17T09:53:00.000-07:002016-03-26T09:00:47.005-07:00Antique Silver Rings made by Yemen Silversmiths<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Rings and Things with silver buds on them, a sampling.<br />
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A variety of ring styles from my antique Yemen bridal dowry jewelry collection. <span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16px;">CONTACT ME through the private message form above left.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-blNmbKRWs/VQg7jH6-rqI/AAAAAAAAKbw/8xyhmoqCizc/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_and_coral_ring_from_early_nineteen_hundreds_e3e75e8d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-blNmbKRWs/VQg7jH6-rqI/AAAAAAAAKbw/8xyhmoqCizc/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_and_coral_ring_from_early_nineteen_hundreds_e3e75e8d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #20124d; font-family: inherit;">Antique Yemen Silver and Coral Ring from Early Nineteen Hundreds </span></h4>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">The Yemen silversmith made this ring with the typical motifs around the silver band and used a beautiful old Mediterranean red coral bead as the setting in a handcrafted bezel. </span></div>
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It is made with the primitive hand made iron tools of the Jewish community of silversmiths of the time. Such jewelry is now rare because the Jews left Yemen in the 1940s, moving to other parts of the Middle East, mostly to Israel. </span></div>
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Size: 8 per U.S. standard (18 mm inside diameter of band)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">Diameter of Bezel and Coral Setting - 12.5 mm</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-5kIBdSeYE/VQg7sMNw9II/AAAAAAAAKb4/qubc3KPF8K0/s1600/old_yemen_silver_ring_omani_style_with_silver_granules_and_beaded_wire_11f4e85b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-5kIBdSeYE/VQg7sMNw9II/AAAAAAAAKb4/qubc3KPF8K0/s1600/old_yemen_silver_ring_omani_style_with_silver_granules_and_beaded_wire_11f4e85b.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">SOLD: Old Yemen Silver Ring Omani Style with Silver Granules and Beaded</span></h4>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white; font-family: "times"; font-size: 16px;">CONTACT ME through the private message form above left.</span></h4>
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<span style="background-color: #660000;"><span style="color: white;">I acquired this ring from a collector in Oman, though the ring is said to be from Yemen, probably from the Southeastern Province touching Oman.<br />
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It is decorated like other Omani jewelry. The band exterior is embellished with silver granules and beaded wire. The silver band is smooth on the inside. The beaded wire at the edges finish the decoration nicely. The ring is in very good condition and easy to wear.<br />
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It is probably made from Maria Theresa thaler coins melted down and blended with melted silver jewelry, a common practice in Yemen jewelry making. It might have been made as late as the 1940s in Yemen or if it is from Oman, it might have been made only a few decades ago.<br />
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Measurements - 25 mm = 1 inch<br />
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Outside diameter - 22 mm<br />
Inside diameter - 18 mm (about size 8 in U.S. ring size)<br />
Width of band - 18 mm</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24_XZ9ge8vtgQd9XQmEz4VyN0LQNzTd0xyF-WyKdzrQHWdHxtAy6ctPIvu28CksDT6nQ0WcfAuyUUJJQOD1aVxzfC_FlL7-kcDWl6-zVmzvy-L_Mky-3y7MO5-4l1J1_R6AJjl7vvCAdD/s1600/yemen_silver_bedouin_ornamental_ring_with_red_glass_flat_cut_gem_5c6160b6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24_XZ9ge8vtgQd9XQmEz4VyN0LQNzTd0xyF-WyKdzrQHWdHxtAy6ctPIvu28CksDT6nQ0WcfAuyUUJJQOD1aVxzfC_FlL7-kcDWl6-zVmzvy-L_Mky-3y7MO5-4l1J1_R6AJjl7vvCAdD/s1600/yemen_silver_bedouin_ornamental_ring_with_red_glass_flat_cut_gem_5c6160b6.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/craftsofthepast/9546463/">Yemen Silver Bedouin Ornamental Ring with Red Glass Flat Cut Gem</a> </span><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: inherit;">SOLD.</span></h4>
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<span style="background-color: #660000;"><span style="color: white;">This is a beautiful Yemen silver ring worn by more than one generation of women I am assuming from its soft glowing patina. It was probably made by a rural jewelry maker, not by one of the master silversmiths in Sana'a. Of course it is possible that the ring was made by a young novice, just learning the skill of making Yemen silver jewelry. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000;"><span style="color: white;">The silver ring is set with a round piece of smooth flat cut red glass. two small ornamental hollow silver beads decorate the bezel of the setting. The piece is probably at least fifty years old. The ring band has been either broken and repaired at center back or it was connected with a blob of solder when it was made. The inside of the band of the ring is smooth and comfortable on the finger. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000;"><span style="color: white;">There is no charge for shipping. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000;"><span style="color: white;">Inside diameter of band - 18.5 mm (0.73 inch) Size 8 - 8.5 American size</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000;"><span style="color: white;">Bezel diameter - 20 mm (0.8 in)</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PV8re_LLGDg/VTE3aOhMf-I/AAAAAAAAK7M/1UQeUjEZj-w/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_ring_made_by_early_nineteen_hundreds_silversmith__29c58be4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PV8re_LLGDg/VTE3aOhMf-I/AAAAAAAAK7M/1UQeUjEZj-w/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_ring_made_by_early_nineteen_hundreds_silversmith__29c58be4.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/craftsofthepast/8390892/"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">Antique Yemen Silver Ring Made by Early Nineteen Hundreds Silversmith </span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000;"><span style="color: white;">This ring was made by a Jewish silversmith in the cultural enclaves in Yemen where most of the silver jewelry was created. It is made of silver from the Marie Therese thalers, the international medium of exchange until the late 1800s. It is a noble addition to your collection. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000;"><span style="color: white;">This beautiful design was made by the silversmith's talented hands and the five rudimentary tools that were also handmade of iron. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000;"><span style="color: white;">Measurements</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000;"><span style="color: white;">Inside diameter - 2 cm (0.75 in)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000;"><span style="color: white;">Height at ring face - 10 mm (0.4 in)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white; font-family: "times"; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">CONTACT ME through the private message form above left.</span></div>
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Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-13196129852508448572015-03-07T13:17:00.000-08:002016-01-07T07:38:06.988-08:00Antique Kazakh Afghanistan Turkoman Tribal Silver Bead Pendant<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A Rare Kazakh Turkoman Bead shown in different lighting:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYb9f9KPPxB58SI2IYk2l45oMU-tVxpoT27cMjVEmys3FujSqR6SN2d-7PByqahsRPAUp1zYbMwE4N3LrR1X7RBIpcoGYyzsoiLXw1nIdjJP8_zzFYx82EPXCWsRBWCi_GZRNpY1ow9Z3j/s1600/antique_kazakh_turkoman_tribal_silver_bead_two_sided_from_afghanistan_eeaf3bca-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYb9f9KPPxB58SI2IYk2l45oMU-tVxpoT27cMjVEmys3FujSqR6SN2d-7PByqahsRPAUp1zYbMwE4N3LrR1X7RBIpcoGYyzsoiLXw1nIdjJP8_zzFYx82EPXCWsRBWCi_GZRNpY1ow9Z3j/s1600/antique_kazakh_turkoman_tribal_silver_bead_two_sided_from_afghanistan_eeaf3bca-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In a cool light with sunlight blocked, the silvery surface is almost too gray and does not reveal the natural aged patina on the silver. In the photo below, the sun is obviously streaming in and hitting the background of the photo. Oddly enough, the surface of the bead appears as its natural self with a fairly dark patina in the recessed places while the raised granules of silver shine softly from being rubbed against clothing of the wearer of this old bead, collected in Afghanistan years ago. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgau1AOZedqghhauO6CSvypggh2HOl1sx_oWpZk1oaV_Lw4QQU5J-sjjt7tILiQkrStWX2fOa9TrkBJEhtqSGaN1m_Ke-LUVRmslQ39ykEFmC3ryrLpx8O7ob7edWq-226SNxqkWkANHQC0/s1600/antique_kazakh_turkoman_tribal_silver_bead_two_sided_from_afghanistan_926e0d24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgau1AOZedqghhauO6CSvypggh2HOl1sx_oWpZk1oaV_Lw4QQU5J-sjjt7tILiQkrStWX2fOa9TrkBJEhtqSGaN1m_Ke-LUVRmslQ39ykEFmC3ryrLpx8O7ob7edWq-226SNxqkWkANHQC0/s1600/antique_kazakh_turkoman_tribal_silver_bead_two_sided_from_afghanistan_926e0d24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://annasemporium.storenvy.com/products/12372795-antique-kazakh-afghanistan-turkoman-tribal-silver-bead-pendant">Antique Kazakh Afghanistan Turkoman Tribal Silver Bead Pendant</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4soH5NW7M54/VPtfhwrFLXI/AAAAAAAAKR8/GZ3UpTDj-pc/s1600/antique_kazakh_turkoman_tribal_silver_bead_two_sided_from_afghanistan_101ce034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4soH5NW7M54/VPtfhwrFLXI/AAAAAAAAKR8/GZ3UpTDj-pc/s1600/antique_kazakh_turkoman_tribal_silver_bead_two_sided_from_afghanistan_101ce034.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A side view to show the typical two sided hollow bead style of the Turkoman or Turkmen tribal silversmiths. <br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: #660000; color: white; font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">CONTACT ME through the private message form above left.</span><br />
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A fuller description of the bead:<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rare find in Afghanistan in my collection for years. This is the prized Kazakh two sided bead that can be used as a pendant. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Authentic Turkoman tribal silver bead collected by a family member in Afghanistan in 1974. This was old at that time. Note that a slot has formed on the rim of the bead hole on each side caused by the rubbing of the string from which it hung. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The bezel is set with a green and a blue glass bead. The two faces of the bead are otherwise identical. The granulated silver pyramidal shapes are typical of this tribal style. The base sheet of silver is oxidized and the layer of granulation is applied over it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a fantastic collector piece of Turkoman silversmithing. You can keep it as a collectible, put it on a cord or chain and wear it alone or you can string it with other beads and make yourself or someone else a fine necklace. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Measurements - 3 cm x 3.5 cm x 13 mm (1.2 in x 1.4 in x 0.5 in)</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">You are welcome to comment and share.</b></div>
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Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-89887742841151886172015-02-26T14:29:00.004-08:002015-02-26T14:36:18.427-08:00The Oops! of Expatriate Living<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Polishing Pans<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JzsBR5dH1I8/VO-bqPN-4xI/AAAAAAAAKI0/ACXSuKv6j5Y/s1600/Aghandish2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JzsBR5dH1I8/VO-bqPN-4xI/AAAAAAAAKI0/ACXSuKv6j5Y/s1600/Aghandish2.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afJmtvU2U5U/VO-b2l3kmpI/AAAAAAAAKI8/IBFehImWa4g/s1600/Aghandish3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afJmtvU2U5U/VO-b2l3kmpI/AAAAAAAAKI8/IBFehImWa4g/s1600/Aghandish3.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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A bowl in my own collection collected in Afghanistan. If interested, please contact me.</div>
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A story about polishing pans:<br />
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Some confusion can occur when the same words have different meanings when two speakers live in two different cultures. This happened to a friend of mine when we lived in Afghanistan. The Afghans speak a language related to English and they speak English quite clearly, with just a slight charming accent. Nevertheless, certain practical household terms such as the word POLISH can mean something entirely different than how my British lady friend meant it when she used the word when speaking to her Afghan cook. <br />
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To buffer the beautiful copper cooking and serving utensils that we American and British expatriates admired, collected and used, the Afghan metalsmiths clad the copper with a coat of tin. This not only protected the people who ate food cooked and served in the utensils, it also lengthened the usefulness of the copper vessels. <br />
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In the photographs above and in the first photo below, you can see examples of used copper in the condition in which we householders in Afghanistan bought and used it. It is very attractive and quite safe to cook and serve in. In an Afghan household, after years of service, the utensils would be taken to the tinsmith to be re-clad with a shiny layer of what the Afghans counted as -- you guessed it -- POLISH. We expatriates usually collected these beautiful antique dishes just as the old tin coating was wearing thin so that with a mechanized steel brush, the copper peeking through the tin outer layer could be brought up to a glowing coppery red and the tin would be even more subdued by the brush removing some of it and dulling such tin as remained on the dish or pot.<br />
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While to the Afghan cook, the word POLISH meant applying a coat of shiny tin metal, to the British lady of the house, it meant rubbing it briskly with a steel brushing machine to remove the tin so that the coppery glow would enhance the beauty of the antique vessel. <br />
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The nearest machine of this type was over the Khyber pass from Kabul, the Afghanistan capital where many of us American and European expatriates lived. My English lady friend asked her cook to take her collection of antique vessels to Peshawar in Pakistan by bus through the Khyber pass and have the vessels POLISHED!<br />
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You have anticipated what happened. Nevertheless, I will provide illustrations of the three stages of these collectible dishes, pots, cups and other vessels from Afghanistan, Turkey, Iran and Pakistan. I have borrowed examples from international sellers:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxRlPlJCRDU/VO5CK7dq2JI/AAAAAAAAKHk/ehsfNUJc-k8/s1600/il_570xN.640281750_iwd6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxRlPlJCRDU/VO5CK7dq2JI/AAAAAAAAKHk/ehsfNUJc-k8/s1600/il_570xN.640281750_iwd6.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">From the shop of </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/oldarticlesbg?ref=l2-shopheader-name" itemprop="url" style="color: #333333; font-family: Guardian-EgypTT, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;">oldarticlesbg</span></a><span style="text-align: left;"> at </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/199949773/" style="text-align: left;">https://www.etsy.com/listing/199949773/</a><span style="text-align: left;"> Illustrating the stage at which the collectors buy the utensils.</span></div>
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This is a magnificent covered serving dish that has been burnished with a steel brush to remove almost all the tin from the outer layer, leaving a tin lining for the serving dish itself. I have served dinners from one almost just like this that I collected in Turkey. Fortunately, Ankara had such brushing machines in the old part of the city. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGO2GBIjfaKsbNw7ki9aqFVIvPpKsYg-VOOViCeahzJqIJMPeScsDB59y5UErTmsyI4aVMey_9VZptDiELubKqZGwoEv3AnaLSRYwoN73wtFEhmdRSuzbloVUtfPxOlB0Z0FuXnnIfd5kv/s1600/il_570xN.618205219_9qs8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGO2GBIjfaKsbNw7ki9aqFVIvPpKsYg-VOOViCeahzJqIJMPeScsDB59y5UErTmsyI4aVMey_9VZptDiELubKqZGwoEv3AnaLSRYwoN73wtFEhmdRSuzbloVUtfPxOlB0Z0FuXnnIfd5kv/s1600/il_570xN.618205219_9qs8.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/193928442/" style="text-align: left;">Revives </a><span style="text-align: left;">shop at </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/193928442/" style="text-align: left;">https://www.etsy.com/listing/193928442/</a></div>
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Below you see examples of original copper pieces in the background and in the foreground you see the copper water jug and mugs that have been POLISHED with a layer of silvery tin. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2tWKoRC9LcI/VO5DODBG_iI/AAAAAAAAKH0/bhiPx86YAaA/s1600/il_570xN.707920847_ku5k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2tWKoRC9LcI/VO5DODBG_iI/AAAAAAAAKH0/bhiPx86YAaA/s1600/il_570xN.707920847_ku5k.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeautyofTurkey?ref=l2-shopheader-name" itemprop="url" style="color: #333333; font-family: Guardian-EgypTT, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">BeautyofTurkey</a><span style="text-align: left;"> shop at </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/217483925/" style="text-align: left;">https://www.etsy.com/listing/217483925/</a></div>
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Just musing about the interesting stories of my life abroad. </div>
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Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-55124986041326795752015-01-19T14:31:00.002-08:002016-01-08T13:18:25.932-08:00Creating a Nomad Style Necklace from Old Silver and Vintage Beads<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Note the vintage bakelite toggle clasp on this brilliantly colored Middle Eastern Nomad style necklace. I call it a fascinating fastener. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Z4nLx9z5bc/VL2CUK9EuUI/AAAAAAAAJoU/xRX1E96l2ps/s1600/old_yemen_silver_wheel_bead_with_coral_amber_bone_beaded_necklace_eaf99d0e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Z4nLx9z5bc/VL2CUK9EuUI/AAAAAAAAJoU/xRX1E96l2ps/s1600/old_yemen_silver_wheel_bead_with_coral_amber_bone_beaded_necklace_eaf99d0e.jpg" width="604" /></a>\</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Old Yemen Silver Wheel Bead with Coral, Amber, Bone Beaded Necklace</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">$78.00 U. S. CONTACT ME for invoice or more information through the message form above left.</span></div>
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Here is a closeup view of the Yemen wheel bead: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLtbzEgUizHgBOJg7mFFIO38Yjy7Jtym27Frlhh-1CZkMlwNieBNym5DOpGxMVe2LKYKOTyYgLhtk683UnJbIExvK5KMQsrgho4LKeJLcW7uiNEwQOyHlORAls3RdSXbM68mJvbkZ5w5O/s1600/old_yemen_silver_wheel_bead_with_coral_amber_bone_beaded_necklace_63a52f32-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLtbzEgUizHgBOJg7mFFIO38Yjy7Jtym27Frlhh-1CZkMlwNieBNym5DOpGxMVe2LKYKOTyYgLhtk683UnJbIExvK5KMQsrgho4LKeJLcW7uiNEwQOyHlORAls3RdSXbM68mJvbkZ5w5O/s1600/old_yemen_silver_wheel_bead_with_coral_amber_bone_beaded_necklace_63a52f32-2.jpg" width="373" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In making this necklace I raided a pile of old butterscotch and egg yolk amber resin beads that I had collected over time. But this necklace demanded more beads and more of a variety due to the importance of the focal bead. It is an old Yemen silver alloy bead made in the standard granulation style. Tiny beads of silver are dropped onto a wire or solid background metal in rows or in patterns. The small beads made in this way are called Bedihi or berry beads, while these larger diameter granulated beads like this one are called wheel beads. They resemble a lugged tire. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This one is large enough that it needed large decorative beads to surround it. The Yemen silversmiths, along with the desert nomads, preferred two kinds of beads to string with their silver creations: coral and amber. When the old natural frankincense amber became too expensive for them to string with their beautiful silver, they turned to the modern imitations of amber coming from Europe and North Africa. For a long while the Mediterranean natural coral remained available to them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Unfortunately, the Mediterranean coral beads are very scarce and expensive at present. For this piece, I decided to use the dyed natural coral from the Pacific which is naturally much paler and grows thicker branches than the old Mediterranean type. I chose for the foil against which the silver, amber resin and coral would play a handful of my tray of dyed bone beads, shaped by hand and quite at home in a nomadic style of necklace such as this one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The necklace contains three antique Yemen silver beads, four of the Pacific coral beads and 27 bone beads. The remainder of the beads, including the fastener are made of vintage amber resin beads. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Necklace length - 26 inches (66 cm)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wheel bead dimensions - 25 mm diam. x 16 mm wide (1 in x 0.63 in )</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">$78.00 U. S. CONTACT ME for invoice or more information through the message form above left.</span></div>
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Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-10305211610440033922014-11-04T06:15:00.001-08:002016-01-08T13:29:15.863-08:00Restoring a Yemen Dowry Necklace <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Restoring an antique relic of a vanished culture is intimidating. Fortunately, I had access to appropriate jewelry elements that my family had collected through the years. Here is a close up view of the final restoration of a Yemen dowry necklace. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_3AFV1WN1hM/VFfxoejxD7I/AAAAAAAAJMM/zG5wLC2FRx0/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_and_amber_necklace_signed_beads_filigree_caps_71d163e0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_3AFV1WN1hM/VFfxoejxD7I/AAAAAAAAJMM/zG5wLC2FRx0/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_and_amber_necklace_signed_beads_filigree_caps_71d163e0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">$760.00 U.S. CONTACT ME for invoice or for more information by using the private message form above left.</span></div>
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All the ornate bead caps, the signed starburst pattern large hollow silver beads and the Bedihi beads as well as the necklace terminals had been preserved, but the faturan or synthetic amber beads that had rested between the caps and the small separator beads, typically of coral, were no longer with the silver components. </div>
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Here is a more complete view of the now finished bridal dowry necklace from Yemen in the period around 1900 or a bit later. I searched through my collection of faturan amber beads to find the ones that fit the ornate bead caps. I find the European bakelite beads of that era very appealing, as did the jewelers of Yemen in the period of 1920 to 1940. These particular synthetic amber beads were made in the late 1900s, but they were appropriate in color and size and could be used to good effect in restoring this fine piece of Yemen jewelry. </div>
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The small translucent agate beads are from Yemen. The people of Yemen had prized agate beads from ancient times; the small cloudy gems harmonize culturally with the other beads and serve as buffers between the ornate silver pieces. By happenstance, I had an appropriate silver chain on which to hang my restored necklace. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzLwen0DbYcQo5Hw2HvKoPRJsq7DUilvNr5RNcZ1h7p121HmVUJc8kVzKlfShf8kKFyUExvXA9uI5cyBBeMRJ3RwAouVf_XVmMfw6wKCLFBVCQYP7EtzwJZyt59C-sw-QWNuudh4Noea5/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_and_amber_necklace_signed_beads_filigree_caps_8e19c6ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzLwen0DbYcQo5Hw2HvKoPRJsq7DUilvNr5RNcZ1h7p121HmVUJc8kVzKlfShf8kKFyUExvXA9uI5cyBBeMRJ3RwAouVf_XVmMfw6wKCLFBVCQYP7EtzwJZyt59C-sw-QWNuudh4Noea5/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_and_amber_necklace_signed_beads_filigree_caps_8e19c6ad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The old starburst beads show that the necklace on which they originally hung was worn a long time. The signatures of the maker or makers are quite worn, but still recognizable as the archaic Arabic alphabet that was still being used in Yemen at that time. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LdekqTfcgxE/VFfyCIYqYEI/AAAAAAAAJMc/9W_lzlZWg-4/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_and_amber_necklace_signed_beads_filigree_caps_3e85b0fd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LdekqTfcgxE/VFfyCIYqYEI/AAAAAAAAJMc/9W_lzlZWg-4/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_and_amber_necklace_signed_beads_filigree_caps_3e85b0fd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the close up view above, you see the faint stamped cartouches of the silversmith who made that particular bead. Also note the cloudy translucent Yemen agate beads and the very special and now rare Bedihi beads. While you are viewing this close up, don't overlook the exquisite terminals on this necklace. They are gems in themselves. </div>
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$760.00 U.S. CONTACT ME for invoice or for more information by using the private message form above left.</div>
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Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-5616626059893631322014-09-23T11:21:00.001-07:002016-01-09T05:43:15.906-08:00Yemen Silver Jewelry with New Beads<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When lovely old pieces of jewelry are separated from their original adornment, they can still be made the focus of a new creation in the old tradition or in a modern translation, as it were. In this design, I kept the old tradition of making a kirdan or dowry necklace in the same form and with materials that would have been available at the time the original pieces were made. <br />
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The focus of the this design is a fantastically intricate plaque and hirz or mezuzah combination made by a Jewish silversmith in Yemen in the early 1900s. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRDDMh0aUKaX1tFTMrEYTYd_u4y10vzU3HzJfX2UeSws0jwzIQxx8W24QqcX2eBsp_nh_PJH6F_e_T394wYWFb0gpFOXmO8TlxMQsvH0rowRRGZI_pf7y-N0dchrT5jfAQq7IoEjnIH_F/s1600/old_yemen_silver_plaque_amulet_with_four_strands_of_new_coral_beads_f58fd97c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRDDMh0aUKaX1tFTMrEYTYd_u4y10vzU3HzJfX2UeSws0jwzIQxx8W24QqcX2eBsp_nh_PJH6F_e_T394wYWFb0gpFOXmO8TlxMQsvH0rowRRGZI_pf7y-N0dchrT5jfAQq7IoEjnIH_F/s1600/old_yemen_silver_plaque_amulet_with_four_strands_of_new_coral_beads_f58fd97c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;">Antique Yemen Silver mezuzah with four strands of modern coral</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;">$650.00 U.S. CONTACT ME for invoice or for more information using the private message form above left. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">The amulet - or mezuzah or hirz - became an orphan piece of fine ethnic silver workmanship. The same had happened to the plaque on which the small amulet now hangs. So my first task in assembling this piece was to attach the amulet onto the plaque which had lost its central loops on which its amulet had hung. So I used heavy gauge sterling silver filled wire to repair the loss of the loops. Now the mezuzah hangs straight and secure on the bottom of the plaque. The decorations on each piece match very well, with their heavily granulated silver surface. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1xyluopCyIo/VpArwS_Q7JI/AAAAAAAANnA/H787wC7rcUU/s1600/old_yemen_silver_plaque_amulet_with_four_strands_of_new_coral_beads_5718655b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1xyluopCyIo/VpArwS_Q7JI/AAAAAAAANnA/H787wC7rcUU/s640/old_yemen_silver_plaque_amulet_with_four_strands_of_new_coral_beads_5718655b.jpg" width="523" /></a></div>
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Full view of antique Yemen silver mezuzah necklace </div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">$650.00 U.S. CONTACT ME for invoice or for more information using the private message form above left.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">The next task was to find compatible beads of silver with a patina of age to match the antique silver of the ethnic Yemeni Jewish silver. I found some old silver separator bead from Yemen in my ethnic bead collection and that problem was settled. Next, I found my stash of some old silver over brass accent beads from India. </span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="line-height: 16px;">But then I had to find enough of the customary size of coral that the Yemenites had strung on their kirdan necklaces. The kirdan was part of the bridal dowry and the bride would wear it on her wedding day and at family celebrations. I started pawing through my bead trays again. Voila! I found dyed red Pacific coral beads in exactly the same size and shape that had been used in the traditional Yemeni bridal kirdan necklaces with their multiple strands of Mediterranean coral. </span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="line-height: 16px;">Next I wanted some neutral colors to cool down the intensity of the very red coral so that it did not overpower the glow of the old silver. For that I chose two different sizes of natural beads in black and white: black onyx and white bone beads. I also added two Indian agate eye beads in natural bands of black and white. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">So as not to overweigh the wearer of the necklace, but to make it large and imposing as the kirdans were made, I reduced the side strands of the necklace to just two. I connected the four strand section to the side sections with hand made sterling silver filled figure 8 loops. The chain is a handmade chain from Yemen, including the old handmade figure 8 loop fastener. </span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="line-height: 16px;">This is a fantastic kirdan style necklace with genuine antique ethnic silver included. You can make a spectacular entrance wearing this with dress-up or jeans. </span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="line-height: 16px;">Measurements: Necklace length: 24 inches (61 cm)</span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="line-height: 16px;">Plaque and amulet: 2 in x 3 in (5 cm x 8 cm)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">$650.00 U.S. CONTACT ME for invoice or for more information using the private message form above left.</span></div>
Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-17632075181315404512014-07-25T07:08:00.001-07:002016-01-09T06:05:13.371-08:00Yemen Silver Wheel Beads with Maker Signature<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Signed by Yemenite Silversmith: a Pair of Silver Granulated Wheel Beads</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr67NZMdkLk7g_U-c9VFDpMGyidCw5uQCgO9H7Uxd2QjRnvUTwQ1qJiRyw4h1Q54met0hO6S-GyyJwJCmAGgjmlYB-Pu-9RXJVWpH_qTK3hR6ZhbwmDizBWTZxkRWeS4LB5L5qf4TKc5C0/s1600/signed_silver_antique_yemen_wheel_beads_apparently_from_same_workshop_6fea37c1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr67NZMdkLk7g_U-c9VFDpMGyidCw5uQCgO9H7Uxd2QjRnvUTwQ1qJiRyw4h1Q54met0hO6S-GyyJwJCmAGgjmlYB-Pu-9RXJVWpH_qTK3hR6ZhbwmDizBWTZxkRWeS4LB5L5qf4TKc5C0/s1600/signed_silver_antique_yemen_wheel_beads_apparently_from_same_workshop_6fea37c1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Signed Silver Antique Yemen Wheel Beads Apparently from Same Workshop</span></h2>
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The intricate silversmithing on this traditional style of Yemen wheel beads is outstanding. In the photograph below, you see the construction of the rows of granulation that become a usually perfectly round bead. The beads are made to fit as bead caps for large amber beads or to fit together edge to edge on a kirdan or bridal dowry necklace. <br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">On this particular pair of wheel beads, the signature and the manner of placing the signature inside the granulated silver wheel beads are similar, or identical in my view, thus leading me to believe these two fantastic old beads were made by the same Yemen Jewish silversmith some time in the late 1930s or early 1940s. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">Here is an illustration of how Yemen granulated silver wheel beads can be used with large amber resin beads: </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWG-zJ56gjFRX___YvBOkkXTMPmrJ3r6xONYg34c8dWK-AyyN7DiQMrmQSBuxjBkVS54tn8f3y8jOYW5P36uL4A64zxiHokSA-h3nHaTDnYhyphenhyphen-w6f23btiLQB5ylYKg9Up2sOjEqdUlE3/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_hirz_amulet_and_beads_all_signed_by_silversmith_7d5b4d9a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWG-zJ56gjFRX___YvBOkkXTMPmrJ3r6xONYg34c8dWK-AyyN7DiQMrmQSBuxjBkVS54tn8f3y8jOYW5P36uL4A64zxiHokSA-h3nHaTDnYhyphenhyphen-w6f23btiLQB5ylYKg9Up2sOjEqdUlE3/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_hirz_amulet_and_beads_all_signed_by_silversmith_7d5b4d9a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Antique Yemen Silver Hirz Amulet and Beads All Signed by Silversmith</span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">$975 U.S. <b>CONTACT ME</b> for invoice or for more information. Use the private message form above left.</span></div>
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Here is a photo of all the signed beads and signed amulet on the necklace above: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z_UHDSZ6sB9WMWrGa0GRtU3L4FwdFkDVxNtlEJujoYqmtGLsqDO5I0WJt1r0FAr9gP9aC1Zw74B10cTxDbxyHRr3VmAk0p6AUX_J5yPonhyppzeS3HusafSCviDMI6viElcJlYJpLFnw/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_hirz_amulet_and_beads_all_signed_by_silversmith_991f5a70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z_UHDSZ6sB9WMWrGa0GRtU3L4FwdFkDVxNtlEJujoYqmtGLsqDO5I0WJt1r0FAr9gP9aC1Zw74B10cTxDbxyHRr3VmAk0p6AUX_J5yPonhyppzeS3HusafSCviDMI6viElcJlYJpLFnw/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_hirz_amulet_and_beads_all_signed_by_silversmith_991f5a70.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Below is an illustration of how the Yemen granulated wheel beads fit with large coral beads. They will fit closely as bead caps as well as being separated by smaller beads:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR9dajMwaex1or8Vx2F8yvM6v7EIWPFbn7Zpu-bfGBaSNqjPTtzwMIRwISJpvqz1apr895r1efMSI1YTUdKgilWwxzipirHnIGVzd3VH_kBFIXV6ls1R2n3c7aMGsp36OzE5pYD0hqrri/s1600/old_yemen_silver_wheel_bead_with_coral_amber_bone_beaded_necklace_63a52f32-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR9dajMwaex1or8Vx2F8yvM6v7EIWPFbn7Zpu-bfGBaSNqjPTtzwMIRwISJpvqz1apr895r1efMSI1YTUdKgilWwxzipirHnIGVzd3VH_kBFIXV6ls1R2n3c7aMGsp36OzE5pYD0hqrri/s1600/old_yemen_silver_wheel_bead_with_coral_amber_bone_beaded_necklace_63a52f32-2.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Old Yemen Silver Wheel Bead with Coral, Amber, Bone Beaded Necklace</span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">$65 U.S. </span><b style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: inherit;">CONTACT ME</b><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"> for invoice or for more information. Use the private message form above left.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">These signed wheel beads add value to your collection of Yemen silver and they can be worn on a chain or cord as single beads. They look best when strung with copal amber or amber resin beads in any shade from lemon to deep caramel brown or with large coral beads. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">Measurements: 1 inch = 25 mm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">18 mm diam x 12 mm height</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"> </span><b style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: inherit;">CONTACT ME</b><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"> for invoice or for more information. Use the private message form above left.</span></div>
Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-34514463268616232812014-06-28T14:59:00.003-07:002014-06-28T14:59:52.804-07:00A Glowing Gem from the Yemen Desert<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yemen has a rich and fertile gulf coast once with high traffic due to the coffee and frankincense trade. But much of the country that stretches toward the interior has become an impassable desert known as The Empty Quarter. But the Bedouins know the way from oasis to oasis around the fringe of the ocean of sand and more sand. The finger of one of those Bedouin women once wore this fine flat cut brilliant red glass gem in her silver ring - probably more than one generation of Yemen Bedouin women wore it:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SaLE6zRF7V0/U681-nxxTBI/AAAAAAAAHvE/TTZe9lF4yU0/s1600/yemen_silver_bedouin_ornamental_ring_with_red_glass_flat_cut_gem_5c6160b6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SaLE6zRF7V0/U681-nxxTBI/AAAAAAAAHvE/TTZe9lF4yU0/s1600/yemen_silver_bedouin_ornamental_ring_with_red_glass_flat_cut_gem_5c6160b6.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/craftsofthepast/9546463/">Yemen Silver Bedouin Ornamental Ring with Red Glass Flat Cut Gem</a></span></h2>
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Here are some more views of this fine old ethnic jewelry: </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IhQwKbPnFy4/U6819S7R5HI/AAAAAAAAHu8/maRJVpIMlws/s1600/yemen_silver_bedouin_ornamental_ring_with_red_glass_flat_cut_gem_2af12289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IhQwKbPnFy4/U6819S7R5HI/AAAAAAAAHu8/maRJVpIMlws/s1600/yemen_silver_bedouin_ornamental_ring_with_red_glass_flat_cut_gem_2af12289.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHL8NVzYTOB1Tk8WsuJmMghF9jrfFVyV3_F5S2fuMXZEh6lnpEJNy0DZI3_EWLyMhR6o-nUDZWKaTwGc9UHwwhyil1V5rC6i5UlVmSOaHPkfaYK7t9mA6zXEk_N8YnMSfD754sAJfcmwx5/s1600/yemen_silver_bedouin_ornamental_ring_with_red_glass_flat_cut_gem_11ceb0aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHL8NVzYTOB1Tk8WsuJmMghF9jrfFVyV3_F5S2fuMXZEh6lnpEJNy0DZI3_EWLyMhR6o-nUDZWKaTwGc9UHwwhyil1V5rC6i5UlVmSOaHPkfaYK7t9mA6zXEk_N8YnMSfD754sAJfcmwx5/s1600/yemen_silver_bedouin_ornamental_ring_with_red_glass_flat_cut_gem_11ceb0aa.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n9x8_94AARU/U6819g9-vWI/AAAAAAAAHvA/eqvdKB8l0Es/s1600/yemen_silver_bedouin_ornamental_ring_with_red_glass_flat_cut_gem_1680d200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n9x8_94AARU/U6819g9-vWI/AAAAAAAAHvA/eqvdKB8l0Es/s1600/yemen_silver_bedouin_ornamental_ring_with_red_glass_flat_cut_gem_1680d200.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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See many more of the old <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/craftsofthepast/0/0/10159">Yemen and Turkoman jewelry listed for sale in my studio</a>. </div>
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Here is a photo of the Empty Quarter -- the desert that I wrote about in the introduction to the <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/craftsofthepast/9546463/">Yemen Bedouin ring. </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqO-Vg-Fs9RApRbJ4gGA8AVFcvetcE8roPcX9GKcYg01O7gJ_0bTa-5L4V2uZDBgNbZmarKzUxbcTeHu3pg169q-9NBeNgbKqKkWtgIdHTe04K4BNYhEZVQ3e8LgCFBkIeT04BrTe6ZW1/s1600/1867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqO-Vg-Fs9RApRbJ4gGA8AVFcvetcE8roPcX9GKcYg01O7gJ_0bTa-5L4V2uZDBgNbZmarKzUxbcTeHu3pg169q-9NBeNgbKqKkWtgIdHTe04K4BNYhEZVQ3e8LgCFBkIeT04BrTe6ZW1/s1600/1867.jpg" height="320" width="276" /></a> Here you see where this Empty Quarter is located, partly in Yemen and partly in Saudi Arabia. </div>
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It does look entirely empty! <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Grg5BeSErpE/U686FTOMUkI/AAAAAAAAHvg/xCcDqi2T6Ag/s1600/empty-quarter-desert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Grg5BeSErpE/U686FTOMUkI/AAAAAAAAHvg/xCcDqi2T6Ag/s1600/empty-quarter-desert.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-3745497790567647002014-05-26T08:24:00.000-07:002014-05-26T08:24:49.640-07:00Orphan Beads Find a Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Antique Famous Bawsani Silver Filigree Bead </span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">by Yemenite Silversmith</span></h2>
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Using components from older jewelry is no new enterprise. From ancient times, later settlers moved onto the rubble of previous communities and picked up the stones and other baubles made by the people of the vanished culture and made adornments from them. Pieces of obsidian, polished agate eye beads, animal tooth ivory and carved bones and shells were gathered on a string and became a kind of wealth for the finder. <br />
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Modern artisans can easily follow the tradition. My own collection of valuable orphan beads and pendants comes from Yemen, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. Yemen pieces have become extremely rare in these times, because (1) there was a limited amount of such jewelry left behind in Yemen when the Jewish silversmiths moved to Israel in the 1940s and (2) the political situation at present is so unstable that it is difficult to carry on international commerce. Here is one of the famous Bawsani beads that I salvaged from a Yemen dress yoke that had become so ragged that the beads were falling from it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQsu1FzQw3Fm-iwNQQQLyV7gA4Mx4ZBBzjAFQLOFh6hHb8ePY8yODgkVLAcvPbnFzcoakZS98vgeM9LCkCTi8K6YWe8_cYpzT1fMOvcyYj4F6tWQKNeKukRfbimmXc0ShopukV7yNW0Hz/s1600/antique_famous_bawsani_silver_filigree_bead_by_yemenite_silversmith_a3bbc049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQsu1FzQw3Fm-iwNQQQLyV7gA4Mx4ZBBzjAFQLOFh6hHb8ePY8yODgkVLAcvPbnFzcoakZS98vgeM9LCkCTi8K6YWe8_cYpzT1fMOvcyYj4F6tWQKNeKukRfbimmXc0ShopukV7yNW0Hz/s1600/antique_famous_bawsani_silver_filigree_bead_by_yemenite_silversmith_a3bbc049.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/9284900">Antique Famous Bawsani Silver Filigree Bead by Yemenite Silversmith</a></span></h2>
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These old beads from vanished cultures such as the Yemenite communities of Jewish artisans can be used to great effect in modern creations. I can offer an example of an orphan bead that I have used in a contemporary design of a necklace here: </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kuI-HtaSrfc/U4NVx-wbh0I/AAAAAAAAHjM/8XNLry-88e4/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_bead_on_amber_and_turquoise_stone_beaded_necklace_9400b2ce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kuI-HtaSrfc/U4NVx-wbh0I/AAAAAAAAHjM/8XNLry-88e4/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_bead_on_amber_and_turquoise_stone_beaded_necklace_9400b2ce.jpg" height="397" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/craftsofthepast/6609615/">Antique Yemen Silver Bead on Amber and Turquoise Stone Beaded Necklace</a></span></h2>
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There are two sections of my online studio/shop that show orphan stones, shells, glass, resin and metalwork beads from antique times and from ancient ages. Among the complete jewelry designs there, you will also see the orphan components that have become separated from their original adornments. Enjoy a browse through my collection of the antiques from <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/craftsofthepast/1/7/10159//">Yemen and Turkmenia</a> and my collection of <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/craftsofthepast/1/7/6505//">ancient artifacts from Bactria</a>. </div>
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Thank you for reading my blog. I invite you to leave comments below and to follow this blog. I do not inundate you with blog posts, usually managing to publish one or two a month. </div>
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Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-52764406296640883482014-04-05T07:15:00.001-07:002014-04-05T07:15:21.516-07:00Shaping and Decorating a Yemen Dowry Bracelet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Dowry Bracelet</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://antique%20yemen%20silver%20bridal%20dowry%20bracelet%20braid%20design%20filigree%20inlay/">Antique Yemen Silver Bridal Dowry Bracelet Braid Design Filigree Inlay</a></span></h2>
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The ancient practice of exchanging goods for a bride continued in Yemen and in many regions of Asia the practice persists. It is considered only fair that the family who gives up part of its own treasure should be compensated. It also teaches the groom to value his wife and daughters. In Yemen the goods that the bride wore on the wedding day and any goods given to her by her own family and her friends and her husband's family are hers to keep. She has control of her treasure throughout the marriage and would be allowed to take them with her in case she was divorced by her husband. Since divorce is so very rare, the more important part of the deal is that she has her silver insurance policy in case her husband is disabled or pre-deceases her. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHz4Xw-84zaONkEiENCcndj42NlEn4GaI1Rp3Z5KgbalST1Q3lc4UqI2K513HrCT7-Vc_OYHNnC0X4v_0fozTH367DxtzrLCjknHmlP6LuTS-mkQmxSN9-1jZuL61HMQ06TQbzPgPm8LSN/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_bridal_dowry_bracelet_braid_design_filigree_inlay_edf67534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHz4Xw-84zaONkEiENCcndj42NlEn4GaI1Rp3Z5KgbalST1Q3lc4UqI2K513HrCT7-Vc_OYHNnC0X4v_0fozTH367DxtzrLCjknHmlP6LuTS-mkQmxSN9-1jZuL61HMQ06TQbzPgPm8LSN/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_bridal_dowry_bracelet_braid_design_filigree_inlay_edf67534.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a> The dowry is designed and fabricated by one shop of jewelers, from apprentice to master. The people who wanted contribute to the dowry brought their own silver Maria Theresa thalers -- then the standard cash currency -- and their pieces of silver jewelry to the maker of the dowry pieces. The Jewish silversmiths melted down the silver, designed the various beads, pendants, rings, headbands, veil ornaments, bracelets, anklets, toe rings, upper arm bracelets and other trinkets to dangle from the clothing of the bride. In the early 1900s the bride sat for the photograph at her wedding because she might be carrying a forty pound load of silver jewelry, each piece made with the skill of the Yemen Jewish silversmiths. </div>
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Each part of this exemplary bracelet is made entirely by hand with primitive hand forged iron tools, only about five of them. Pliers, drawers of wire, hammer, tongs, and a tool whose name I don't know. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wtQLCOF0BWI/U0AG2TVFGEI/AAAAAAAAHZg/XrJe2eRg7Aw/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_bridal_dowry_bracelet_braid_design_filigree_inlay_f1781ba6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wtQLCOF0BWI/U0AG2TVFGEI/AAAAAAAAHZg/XrJe2eRg7Aw/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_bridal_dowry_bracelet_braid_design_filigree_inlay_f1781ba6.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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The screw closure is an example of the perfect match-up required in this hinged bangle bracelet. To match grooves that would last almost a hundred years and still operate for the wearer -- all by hand with handmade tools -- is quite an accomplishment. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayRh69gsbNx9ExCMbJcKbNxGgNZ_e7Wuulaf-DC0D8PfKI3rRWedkwGmvgIF_RRNcYUyFixumowzSk_BVo5nzzl1aAtH-E5zQ9RTVxiNFxXrh7-SRrhJXw-6GHPhFGDr8fGbj45-9txFE/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_bridal_dowry_bracelet_braid_design_filigree_inlay_df924320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayRh69gsbNx9ExCMbJcKbNxGgNZ_e7Wuulaf-DC0D8PfKI3rRWedkwGmvgIF_RRNcYUyFixumowzSk_BVo5nzzl1aAtH-E5zQ9RTVxiNFxXrh7-SRrhJXw-6GHPhFGDr8fGbj45-9txFE/s1600/antique_yemen_silver_bridal_dowry_bracelet_braid_design_filigree_inlay_df924320.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>The hasp in the hinge at the back is now held together with a strong copper rod flattened at both ends. This may be a replacement at some point in the bracelet's history; the silver hasp may have become so worn that the bracelet did not hang together well. The copper rod appears never to have been coated with silver at any time. I doubt that this magnificent bracelet would have had a solid copper rod as the hasp at the time it was created. </div>
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The excellent balance of braided wire, crenellation along the edges, and the small touch of inlaid filigree on the closure brings this dowry bracelet to perfection. It is still very wearable and eminently collectible. </div>
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For more information on the bracelet <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/8900108">visit my WEBSITE</a>. </div>
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Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-58193665998906331882014-02-19T05:09:00.000-08:002014-02-19T05:09:15.930-08:00Asian Ethnic Jewelry from the Arabian Desert<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Arabian Bedouin Bracelets</span><br />
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The continent of Asia extends from the Mediterranean in the West to the Pacific in the West: think Hong Kong. I include in my own delineation of Asian borders as being from Siberia in the North to the tip of Saudi Arabia in the South, but some might include a greater part of Russia.<br />
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Perhaps the most intriguing jewelry being worn in Asia are the very eclectic 'jangling' jewelry of the various nomadic peoples of the deserts of Asia, in the Karakum and Kizilkum of Turkmenistan, the Gobi and Taklamakan in China, the Sindh in Pakistan and the Sahara in Arabia. I call it jangly or jangling jewelry because it is usually put together in a way that makes a musical sound as the wearer moves. Hollow bracelets may be filled with tiny pellets or stone chips so that they whisper with the wearer's movement. For example this pair of Bedouin bracelets from the Arabian desert of Yemen was created with such an enhancement. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6QMcIFvcasDtgjAt_16hSiDbffOKhwCzehiH1S4tx9lmlPNpZsrGCiY6_zEeEs8726GBJ3b7hS32DkvQVl8U00cmiaPQoBQf5__rcdCIfkf9NVLaRd1-fp_vpaJDzSUD_NGYHm4hLQHk/s1600/antiquepair_yemen_silver_bracelets_bedouin_style_on_hollow_form_e9517bce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6QMcIFvcasDtgjAt_16hSiDbffOKhwCzehiH1S4tx9lmlPNpZsrGCiY6_zEeEs8726GBJ3b7hS32DkvQVl8U00cmiaPQoBQf5__rcdCIfkf9NVLaRd1-fp_vpaJDzSUD_NGYHm4hLQHk/s1600/antiquepair_yemen_silver_bracelets_bedouin_style_on_hollow_form_e9517bce.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/craftsofthepast/8586377/">Antique Pair Yemen Silver Bracelets Bedouin Style over Hollow Form</a></span></h2>
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These bracelets are fabricated as hollow circles, having the jangly material added before soldering the two halves together. The bracelet in the top position in this photo has been emptied of its contents by boring a tiny hole through it, so that act suggests that the jangly material is very small, such as large crystals of sand or the tiniest pebbles from the shores of the Arabian Sea perhaps. The bracelet made in the same techniques as the one above still has its jangly contents and makes a pleasant sound as it moves around the wrist. </div>
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There will be more in this series on Ethnic Jewelry from Desert and City, including jewelry from some of the various regions of Asia. See much more on Yemen jewelry at <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/craftsofthepast/1/1/179276/yemen/">my website Crafts of the Past</a>. </div>
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Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-67167810545640950722014-01-04T07:17:00.003-08:002014-01-04T07:18:53.542-08:00Turkoman Gilded Silver - Yomud TraditionIn the preceding post, we compared the gilding methods and results of the Turkmen silversmiths and the Yemen silversmiths. Readers have asked me to write a bit more about gilding, so I am happy to show some examples from another tribal tradition among the gilders of silver among the Turkoman tribes. <br />
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I rely on the researches of Dieter and Reinhold Schletzer in their book Old Silver Jewellery of the Turkoman. I am not a silversmith, nor do I even know one. But their book is rich in explanations of the physical methods of making the Turkoman jewelry and in interpreting the traditional symbols in the ornamentation. <br />
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Those of you familiar with embossing metal will recognize the repousse or chased technique used in the guljaka or collar button (large!) of the Yomud woman in this photo:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGaKEcAoIlQ/UsgZnuvhAvI/AAAAAAAAF_I/9hdJabK3Opw/s1600/antique_guljaka_gilded_silver_collar_button_of_youmud_turkmen_women_fd5fef7e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGaKEcAoIlQ/UsgZnuvhAvI/AAAAAAAAF_I/9hdJabK3Opw/s400/antique_guljaka_gilded_silver_collar_button_of_youmud_turkmen_women_fd5fef7e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/craftsofthepast/8350510/">Antique GulJaka Gilded Silver Collar Button of Youmud Turkmen Women</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">The collar button is made by laying out a thin sheet of silver, usually good silver because the Turkmen people were using silver ingots from Europe. That first thin sheet was left plain. Then another sheet of the same material was stretched across a template and pounced with soft hammers or chased with a stylus to create the embossed or repousse patterns. Then it was gilded with a process involving heated mercury and gold. The mercury would vaporize and the gold would combine with the silver sheet of repousse designs. </span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="line-height: 16px;">The designs themselves are traditional and used over and over again in the Yomud ornamental style. They are dotted floral abstractions and strictly numbered sets of jewels and symbols. On this piece there are double sets of 12 floral patterns each. You can count them around the scalloped edge of the round guljaka. The outside set has two embossed flowers; the inside set of 12 has one larger embossed dotted flower between each glass jewel. </span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="line-height: 16px;">Around the central green glass jewel, there are double sets of 12 ancestor symbols, the abstraction of a mountain sheep head, used everywhere in Turkoman jewelry, on their tent hangings, in their carpets, on their outdoor clay brick ovens, on the entry to their homes. The symbols are arranged facing each other with the inside circle of twelve ram heads being smaller than the outer ring of ram head ancestor symbols. </span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="line-height: 16px;">The jewels are made of green, red and blue glass cabochons. The central jewel is molded glass in a kind of baroque faceted pyramid or mountain shape, also significant to the Turkmen people, as they memorialize their origin in the Altai Mountains in their ornamentation. </span></span></div>
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The patterns that you see in the embossed face of the gilded guljaka would have been pounced into the gilded silver or chased into it with a stylus from a highly polished brass template such as the one in the photo below:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4D-XAWuYrA/UsgYKxssZKI/AAAAAAAAF-8/Xxkz7BamEs0/s1600/brasschasingtemplate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4D-XAWuYrA/UsgYKxssZKI/AAAAAAAAF-8/Xxkz7BamEs0/s200/brasschasingtemplate.jpg" width="169" /></a></div>
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Compare the Yomud traditional ornamentation of their gilded jewelry with the Tekke tradition so well illustrated in the example below. There you will see that the Tekke tribal silversmiths work with cut out patterns in the gilded layer that they then solder to the basic silver layer. You can see the silver layer showing through the cut out designs. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--op0I1sSXLY/UsgbYz5WJ5I/AAAAAAAAF_U/Tz06Yfcrzxk/s1600/antique_gilded_silver_turkoman_or_turkmen_breastplate_pendant_e8e868ee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--op0I1sSXLY/UsgbYz5WJ5I/AAAAAAAAF_U/Tz06Yfcrzxk/s400/antique_gilded_silver_turkoman_or_turkmen_breastplate_pendant_e8e868ee.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Below is another example of embossed gilded silver jewelry, this time in the Western Yomud tradition, a part of the same tribe that made the guljaka above but occupying a different location in Central Asia. I am including an explanation of the tribal symbols from the Schletzers' book cited above. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0szmdDsKlk/UsgboUZfBcI/AAAAAAAAF_c/WrOtr_X1xes/s1600/antique_western_yomud_gilded_embossed_amulet_containing_prayers_b17a9808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0szmdDsKlk/UsgboUZfBcI/AAAAAAAAF_c/WrOtr_X1xes/s400/antique_western_yomud_gilded_embossed_amulet_containing_prayers_b17a9808.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/craftsofthepast/8350683/">Antique Western Yomud Gilded Embossed Amulet Containing Prayers</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">This is one of the most beautiful amulets: it is a bearer of legends of the Turkmen. First the fact that in the Yomoud tribe this flat rectangle served the purpose that the cylindrical bozbend served in the Tekke tribe. This shape accommodated a booklet, whereas the bozbend carried a scroll which would not be so many layers of paper as a miniature booklet might have. Added to that, the rectangular or hexagonal tube that is the bozbend did not have the space for surface decoration that the embossed ram head anecestral symbol of the Yomud tribe required. Of course, the Tekke tribe remedied that situation by attaching their bozbend to a tumar - a flat equilateral triangle symbolizing the Altai mountain from which they originated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="line-height: 16px;">The five old turquoise gems have changed color as it does with time and exposure to the elements. This designer, gilder and silversmith in the Western Yomud tribe was not as rigidly traditional in his patterns as he might have been. Five turquoise gems is not divisible by four, as tradition would require. You will note that there are eight dotted floral figures and eight ram heads placed symmetrically around the gems. In that at least the designer was holding to tradition. But he parts with the rules again when he places two repousse flowers and two abstractions of flowers above the prayer box or açar - bag. </span><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><br style="line-height: 16px;" /><span style="line-height: 16px;">A very similar prayer box of the Western Yomud tribe is shown on page 107, plate 39 in Dieter and Reinhold Schletzer's Old Silver Jewellery of the Turkoman. There the açar - bag has three glass gems on the gilded face of the box, while the fourth sits atop the box with four matching symbols of dotted floral abstractions. </span></span></div>
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Visit <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/craftsofthepast/0/0/10159">Crafts of the Past</a> to see more old Turkoman jewelry. </div>
<br />Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-86016538487340368122013-12-10T13:31:00.001-08:002013-12-10T13:37:51.037-08:00Gilding Silver in Yemen and Turkmenia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is time to talk about gilded jewelry from the 1900s specifically in Yemen and Turkmenia. First to note is the fact that most jewelry at that time was made of silver by highly accomplished silversmiths with very basic tools and sometimes employing hazardous techniques in making the gold layer over the silver. Such jewelry is termed <i>vermeil </i>or<i> gold plated, gold washed or gilded. </i>It differs from a metal alloy wherein the gold and silver would be blended quite thoroughly in the liquid state.</div>
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Here is a good example of Turkoman silversmith work in a gilded tumar/bozbend; that is a mountain symbol (tumar) with a prayer tube (bozbend) at the bottom of the tumar of this very fine piece of antique workmanship. </div>
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<a href="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/5/325/24325/3924325/3924325/large/antique_gilded_silver_turkoman_tumar_bozbend_with_coins_and_bell_beads_c0f90ab9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/5/325/24325/3924325/3924325/large/antique_gilded_silver_turkoman_tumar_bozbend_with_coins_and_bell_beads_c0f90ab9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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See more information on this piece <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/craftsofthepast/3924325/">at my website</a>.</div>
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Since gold plate is what we moderns are most familiar with (we are ignoring <i>gold tone </i>which does not use gold), we will begin there. Gold plated and gold filled are the same kind of jewelry, only that gold filled usually but not necessarily means that there is a thicker covering of gold than with gold plated jewelry. When I first dealt in jewelry many years ago, gold plate actually had more gold on it than did the gold filled. At present, silver is plated with a relatively thin gold layer with modern machines that do electro-plating. It is usually done in a factory, but it can be done in a home workshop. </div>
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This method was not available to the West Asian people in the early 1900s. They employed heat from a fire, first to melt the metals they were using and then to apply the gold layer to the silver in a permanent covering. The best methods and highest skill were found among the silversmiths of Turkmenia: the Turkoman settled regions of Central Asia. First of all, by 1900, they were able to trade with Europe for genuine silver ingots, so they began the crafting of their silver jewelry with precious metal. </div>
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When the ingots were melted, the silversmiths began the rather hazardous work of applying the gold in a process which produced vaporized toxic material. I provide here a very over-simplified description of the process: </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The method of applying the gilding is quite interesting, and it lasts much longer in the Turkoman jewelry than it does on most jewelry of the Middle Eastern regions. After the silver has been hammered and smoothed to the perfect thickness, the pieces cut and inscribed, but before the gemstones are set, thin gold plates are heated red hot and mixed with mercury, the amalgam being placed in water. Then it is applied to the desired parts of the cleaned silver surface. The silver becomes amalgamated with the application of certain mineral powders, after which the gilding amalgam can be applied and then heated. As the piece heats from warm to hot, the silversmith uses cotton wool to rub the piece to evenly distribute the mineral.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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Below is a photograph of a kirdan or Yemen woman's bridal necklace worn at her wedding and on special occasions thereafter. Most of the kirdans of the early 1900s and previous were not gilded, but this piece is. The method common among Yemen jewelers possibly used an open crucible in the heating and melting process, because the gold amalgam layer is not as durable as the process used in Turkmenia. With long wear and exposure to weather, the Yemen gilding will simply rub off or discolor because of the chemicals used in its application. If it has not worn away, a brisk buffing will bring the shine back. </div>
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There are more photos, more information and more similar pieces at <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/craftsofthepast/0/0/0/gilded" style="text-align: center;">my website in this section</a><span style="text-align: center;">.</span>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yvYA1QoYKCFQf52VJJwfMKeK4mgAUCeRMFutuF3_E2SX285uZR0_rHNalbX97CFMzt3eboSmNtAcqIl_7Fa0qz_r0FK-tYP9zCoMyxQfs9F_6vais9YIMZHOBIW1pOxeIOyom-HCEPj_/s1600/antique_gilded_silver_yemen_wedding_necklace_amulets_granulated_beads_7c4c5a48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yvYA1QoYKCFQf52VJJwfMKeK4mgAUCeRMFutuF3_E2SX285uZR0_rHNalbX97CFMzt3eboSmNtAcqIl_7Fa0qz_r0FK-tYP9zCoMyxQfs9F_6vais9YIMZHOBIW1pOxeIOyom-HCEPj_/s400/antique_gilded_silver_yemen_wedding_necklace_amulets_granulated_beads_7c4c5a48.jpg" width="387" /></a></div>
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Yemenite gilded silver plaque and prayer amulet with fertility symbols attached. </div>
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See more information on this piece <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/craftsofthepast/4315889/">at my website</a>.</div>
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<br />Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-60259998616001214712013-10-09T13:30:00.000-07:002013-10-09T13:35:36.435-07:00Making and Marking Amulets in Yemen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/1/421/69421/7769421/7769421/large/antique_yemen_amulets_matching_chevron_pattern_signed_by_same_maker__bccf68a6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/1/421/69421/7769421/7769421/large/antique_yemen_amulets_matching_chevron_pattern_signed_by_same_maker__bccf68a6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/7769421">Antique Yemen Amulets</a> made in same pattern, signed by same maker</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">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. </span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">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. </span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">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. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/1/421/69421/7769421/7769421/large/antique_yemen_amulets_matching_chevron_pattern_signed_by_same_maker__85667b6d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/1/421/69421/7769421/7769421/large/antique_yemen_amulets_matching_chevron_pattern_signed_by_same_maker__85667b6d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">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. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">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. </span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">These amulets make a very special addition to a collection. </span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Measurements: </span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Large amulet dimensions - 1.3 inch (34 mm) diameter x 4.2 inches (10.7 cm) length (not including loops)</span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Small amulet dimensions - 1 inch (25 mm) diameter x 3.2 inches (8 cm) length (no including loops)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">There is more <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/craftsofthepast/0/0/318949">Judaica from Yemen at this special section of my shop</a>. </span></span></div>
<br />Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-34977337228370871922013-09-20T11:10:00.003-07:002013-09-20T11:10:59.550-07:00The Maker's Mark is Historical InformationA few weeks ago, I sold a bridal dowry amulet or hirz from my collection. It was signed by the maker, as so many of the finely made hirzes are. The maker's name was Ebrahem Saleh. Here is a photo of that particular amulet. The gallery did not store a photo of the signature, but this is the very amulet that Ebrahem Saleh signed after making it some time before the 1940's when all the silversmiths emigrated from Yemen to Israel. <br />
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<a href="http://static.artfire.com/uploads/product/7/157/3157/4003157/4003157/large/antique_yemen_silver_amulet_signed_by_maker_ebraheem_saleh_fc91bbcf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://static.artfire.com/uploads/product/7/157/3157/4003157/4003157/large/antique_yemen_silver_amulet_signed_by_maker_ebraheem_saleh_fc91bbcf.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/gallery_item/craftsofthepast/143583">Antique Yemen Silver Amulet Signed by Maker Ebraheem Saleh - in gallery of sold items</a></span></h1>
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Just this week, I found another interesting Yemen silver hirz when I was rummaging through another box of such amulets from Yemen, which I consider to be <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/craftsofthepast/1/7/318949//">important pieces of Judaica </a>. My website has a special section for the Yemen Jewish silversmith work, all made before they emigrated from Yemen to Israel in the 1940s. This amulet, too, is made by someone named Saleh. This one is signed by Yahia Saleh: </div>
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<a href="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/1/641/64641/7664641/7664641/large/antique_yemen_amulet_signed_by_maker_yahia_saleh_from_fine_collection_2a18a16f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/1/641/64641/7664641/7664641/large/antique_yemen_amulet_signed_by_maker_yahia_saleh_from_fine_collection_2a18a16f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/craftsofthepast/7664641/">Antique Yemen Amulet Signed by Maker Yahia Saleh from Fine Collection - listed for sale</a></span></h2>
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If the silversmiths signed their names with the family name first, then there may not be a genetic relationship between the two men, but if they signed their names as English speakers would sign, with the family name last, then there probably was a family relationship. Their designs are very similar, as you can see. The horizontal beaded wire strips between rows of diamond shapes and florets with almost identical decorative ends and the same shape of bails or loops for hanging the amulets. This would lead me to believe that they were working in the same shop in the Sana'a region of Yemen. </div>
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What do you think? Your comments are invited. </div>
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See more antique silver jewelry <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/craftsofthepast">HERE</a>. </div>
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<br />Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-44392060184682783482013-08-19T12:47:00.003-07:002013-08-19T13:10:28.803-07:00Antique Silver Bedihi Beads from YemenThe century old Mediterranean red coral beads are the natural accompaniment to the numerous silver Bedihi beads on this fine necklace from Yemen. In the market place the same beads are called berry beads, especially the small ones. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OZfyDA2aJj0/UhJwtPqFtYI/AAAAAAAAEHg/Ay0FtiqBPxM/s1600/antique_silver_and_coral_necklace_yemen_1b244b3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OZfyDA2aJj0/UhJwtPqFtYI/AAAAAAAAEHg/Ay0FtiqBPxM/s640/antique_silver_and_coral_necklace_yemen_1b244b3a.jpg" width="404" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/craftsofthepast/3890688/">Antique Rare Silver Bedihi Berry and Coral Beaded Necklace from Yemen</a> </span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Veronica Wainstein is the owner of <a href="http://www.arabiafelixjewels.com/antique-bedihi-silver-beads-and-mediterranean-red-coral-necklace-yemen.html"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">arabiafelixjewels </span></a>and an expert on Yemen jewelry. From her I learned that '</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The Bedihi family was one of the most famous of Yemeni Jewish jewellers in the last two centuries. Their exquisite granulation work, the berry beads and the dugag cylinder beads show the expertise of these jewellers. The main dugag beads are all hallmarked by the artist. All Yemeni jewels hallmarked are from before 1940.'</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The detailed granulation in the beads that seem to be built drop by drop with a lot of open space showing even in the small beads. This allows the beads to make a strong impact without being too heavy for comfort. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The pendant shaped as a crown with the dangles is capped with a larger Bedihi bead and there are two more on the side strings of coral and Bedihi beads. The crown shaped pendant is an ornament usually worn hanging from the headband or head covering; a pair of such ornaments hang on each side of the face. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Coral beads, Bedihi beads and often the beautiful Bawsani beads hang by the pound on a bride wearing her dowry on her wedding day. The wedding jewelry will probably also include some dugag beads that are usually signed by the maker. They are large hollow globe beads that wear so beautifully and develop a fine patina. See an example here: </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/1/831/61831/5061831/5061831/large/antique_yemen_silver_bead_pendant_signed_by_silversmith_on_sterling_a370a436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="393" src="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/1/831/61831/5061831/5061831/large/antique_yemen_silver_bead_pendant_signed_by_silversmith_on_sterling_a370a436.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/craftsofthepast/5061831/">Antique Yemen Silver Bead Pendant Signed by Silversmith</a></span> </h2>
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<span style="line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">Necklaces, head covers, earrings, bracelets, armlets worn above the elbow, rings on all the fingers and even on her toes tax the brides in wealthy families with a heavy burden on her wedding day. No wonder we always see her seated in the wedding pictures. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">Here is a detailed view of the necklace above: </span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYcBJZfycBc1i1kDx5i373GbsYelA763pX3_FfxblCb2hvb-6Ogu05ryXpR_khH_2Nz_PxE644JZlcMMacK6-_rw72kJ1Mbi9A0rsCNWXPZxBYTmXczB9tlC3XG4X61sor00LcYmIdnKM/s1600/antique_silver_and_coral_necklace_yemen_9f29deb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYcBJZfycBc1i1kDx5i373GbsYelA763pX3_FfxblCb2hvb-6Ogu05ryXpR_khH_2Nz_PxE644JZlcMMacK6-_rw72kJ1Mbi9A0rsCNWXPZxBYTmXczB9tlC3XG4X61sor00LcYmIdnKM/s400/antique_silver_and_coral_necklace_yemen_9f29deb4.jpg" width="285" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">Available at <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/craftsofthepast/3890688/">CraftsofthePast studio</a></span></div>
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I invite you to visit the studio and see this and <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/craftsofthepast/0/0/0/judaica">the other Judaica available</a> there. </div>
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<br />Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-63801466747072711702013-05-22T09:18:00.002-07:002013-05-22T09:18:45.832-07:00Judaica - the Material Objects and the Spiritual MeaningsThe classification 'Judaica' refers to things related to the Judean culture from its establishment in ancient times up to the present. Naturally the things of the material culture such as the menorah, the mezuzah and the kippah are easily recognized by those outside the Jewish religion. These material objects also carry spiritual meaning as well as being art objects. The mezuzah carried written prayers and blessings. The menorah was a part of the ancient tabernacle that the prophet Moses set up. It is still used in both Jewish synagogues and Christian churches. The kippah is a head covering that is often beautifully decorated with geometric shapes in fancy needlework for school boys and brides, in particular. It implies a dedication to a certain way of life. <br />
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<a href="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/8/408/29408/6729408/6729408/large/antique_yemen_silver_filigree_bridal_dowry_oval_pendant_with_dangles_74bf0890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/8/408/29408/6729408/6729408/large/antique_yemen_silver_filigree_bridal_dowry_oval_pendant_with_dangles_74bf0890.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/craftsofthepast/6729408/">Filigree pendant worn by Yemen brides on their kirdan or bridal dowry necklaces</a></span></div>
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In addition to these common modern objects, there exists among certain Jewish communities in diaspora beautiful traditional jewelry and clothing that are quite distinctive and are growing quite rare at present. As an example in my own experience is this antique mezuzah, also called a hirz, q'tub or amulet. They are always worn as a pendant either sewn to the clothing or strung on a cord or chain to be worn. For example in the community of Jews in Yemen in the early 1900s, Jewish brides wore amulets such as this one:<br />
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<a href="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/3/3/41003/6741003/6741003/large/antique_yemen_yemenite_silver_signed_amulet_hirz_kutub_pendant__31971586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/3/3/41003/6741003/6741003/large/antique_yemen_yemenite_silver_signed_amulet_hirz_kutub_pendant__31971586.jpg" width="392" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/6741003">Antique Yemen Yemenite Silver Signed Amulet Hirz Kutub Pendant</a></span></h2>
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Here is a fuller explanation of some of my Yemen jewelry collection or the <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/craftsofthepast/0/0/318949">Yemenite Judaica</a> at the site linked here:</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> This amulet is decorated with dangles with small bell like beads attached. This amulet was once worn by at least one Yemeni bride as part of her dowry and then again at the birth of each of her children. It would have hung on a multi-strand kirdan, a bib or yoke strung with large silver hollow beads, amber or coral beads, and as many as six of small hirzes with one large amulet or hirz hanging from a matching plaque. </span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Dowries are still a part of the marriage arrangement between the two families that are being joined through the union of bride and groom. The amulets contained the prayers or scriptures that symbolized the sanctity of the union. </span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">From the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, such amulets were created from silver that was melted down either from Maria Teresa thalers or from jewelry that belonged to the previous generation. The prospective groom was expected to bring a hefty bit of silver to the bride. This was in turn melted and refashioned into silver beads and amulets, bracelets, hair ornaments, anklets and rings for Yemen brides to wear as their wedding finery. </span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">This custom also provided them a dowry, their store of silver to give them security, as their dowry was their own property. Silver in the form of beautiful jewelry also gave the woman status among her peers. She was not always the only woman in a household. And of course, the load of silver jewelry adorning her from the top of her head to the tip of her toes made her even more beautiful on her wedding day. Poorer brides simply rented the wedding finery from jewelers who kept wedding jewelry on hand. </span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The bride would have worn this amulet as a blessing and a prayer for her health, safety and happiness. Since this is a relatively small amulet, it probably hung on a cord with other amulets, one being the large one that opened to insert the actual prayers.</span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Because the Yemen Jewish community emigrated to Israel in the early 1900s, there are no more such pieces being created in Yemen. </span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Such rare items provide very special focal pieces for jewelry designers or are sold individually as I am offering this one. With organic beads such as amber, coral, horn, bone, wood and shells they fit in with ethnic designs very well. It is also spectacular when strung with lapis, turquoise or carnelian, obsidian and smaller silver bead separators. </span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Such an amulet is very distinctive worn alone on this silver chain, though the chain was manufactured in modern times. </span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Measurements: </span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Length of Chain - 18 inches - 45.6 cm</span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Dimensions of Pendant - 1 x 2.75 inches - 2.5 cm x 7 cm</span></span></div>
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<br />Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-52220917763435285172013-04-24T06:47:00.003-07:002013-04-24T06:47:45.772-07:00Antique Silver Bead Signed by Iraqi Haron, made in Yemen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/2/872/93872/6593872/6593872/large/antique_yemen_silver_dowry_necklace_bead_signed_iraqi_haron__ae7feeb5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/2/872/93872/6593872/6593872/large/antique_yemen_silver_dowry_necklace_bead_signed_iraqi_haron__ae7feeb5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/6593872">Antique Yemen silver bead ca 75 years old</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">We are so pleased to have found a man in Yemen who could translate the stylized signatures written in the archaic Arabic in use as late as 1900. We sent photos of our beads to the translator in Yemen who graciously 'read' out the names. This one was a puzzle to him, because he did not know that Iraqi could be a Hebrew name. I mention Hebrew here, since the Yemenite Jews were the silversmiths that created so much of the jewelry for the wedding customs in Yemen of the 1800s and 1900s. The translator did not know the history of the Jews and that Iraq had many Jews from the times of various diasporas. </span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Those familiar with the Hebrew scriptures (what Christians call the Old Testament) know that often a given name was accompanied with a place name. Up into New Testament times, we read Saul of Tarsus, Jesus of Nazareth and many other such names. So it would not be unusual that such a tradition should hold among a tightly knit community of minority people in a place such as Iraq or Yemen. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/6/646/90646/3890646/3890646/large/antique_yemen_silver_amulet_large_silver_melon_beads_chain_necklace_a20b0c85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/6/646/90646/3890646/3890646/large/antique_yemen_silver_amulet_large_silver_melon_beads_chain_necklace_a20b0c85.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">This bead is an important cultural artifact of the Yemenites, especially of the work of the Jewish silversmiths. Such beads were usually strung on necklace with amulets for the bride to wear on her wedding day and then own as a dowry, such as in this photograph (see more information on this piece <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/craftsofthepast/3890646/">here</a>. This culture no longer exists in Yemen. By 1948, the silversmith workshops had closed and the artisans had gone to the state of Israel. </span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">This bead is a handsome ornament when hung on a chain or cord, or used as the focus of a beaded necklace, such as I have done in this design put together with a bead much like the one that is the subject of this blog entry. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/5/615/9615/6609615/6609615/large/antique_yemen_silver_bead_on_amber_and_turquoise_stone_beaded_necklace_9400b2ce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/5/615/9615/6609615/6609615/large/antique_yemen_silver_bead_on_amber_and_turquoise_stone_beaded_necklace_9400b2ce.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">See more information on this necklace <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/craftsofthepast/6609615/">HERE</a>.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Dimensions of signed bead in first photo: 34 mm (1.33 in) x 36 mm (1.4 in)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">To purchase the bead signed by Iraqi Haron, <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/6593872">CLICK HERE</a>.</span></span></div>
<br />Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-59654234713039477682013-04-04T10:19:00.003-07:002013-04-04T10:19:52.614-07:00Out of Yemen Bead by Bead, Traditional Jewelry Disappears<br />
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Antique Yemen Silver Bead Pendant Signed by Silversmith on Sterling</h2>
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<a href="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/1/831/61831/5061831/5061831/large/antique_yemen_silver_bead_pendant_signed_by_silversmith_on_sterling_a370a436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/1/831/61831/5061831/5061831/large/antique_yemen_silver_bead_pendant_signed_by_silversmith_on_sterling_a370a436.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/craftsofthepast/5061831/">antique Yemen signed silver bead pendant</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">This large silver bead from the late eighteenth or early twentieth century in Yemen is decorated not only with the signature of its maker but also with two handmade carnelian beads and smaller silver beads. The traditional pattern applied to the large spherical bead is called by at least two different names: lentil and starshot. Since this style of bead is not made of filigree or dots or granules of silver all over the surface, its smoother surface allows the silversmith a place for his signature. </span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">This one is indeed signed as was the traditional practice. The bead has been worn a lot and the signature is quite worn, as are the decorations on the bead. It is thereby graced with a beautifully balanced patina. It has been in our collection for several years and we have never polished it, only buffed it lightly with a soft cloth. Moreover, it had not been polished with chemicals before we collected it. </span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">It is an eyecatching adornment and needs no other surrounding decoration. So I simply fashioned a sterling silver wire choker or torq and hung the lovely old bead on it. The bead itself was made of coin silver from the Maria Theresa thaler of the Hapsburg Empire, a coin that was being used by Europeans from about the mid-1800s to the early 1900s to buy Yemen exports such as coffee and frankincense. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/1/831/61831/5061831/5061831/large/antique_yemen_silver_bead_pendant_signed_by_silversmith_on_sterling_97e6bdb0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/1/831/61831/5061831/5061831/large/antique_yemen_silver_bead_pendant_signed_by_silversmith_on_sterling_97e6bdb0.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The neck wire encircles the old Hebrew document</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">You are quite familiar with coffee, but many moderns do not know frankincense. It is secreted from the Boswellia tree or shrub and is used in worship services as incense. It was used in Yemen to make amber beads as well. In fact, the Yemeni people use the same word for 'amber' and for 'bead.' The frankincense resin is not quite a hard fossil like the Baltic amber. But it is hard enough to make the old irregularly shaped beads, really just globs of frankincense resin that have been bored through and strung. They make very attractive primitive style beads. Much of Yemen's oldest extant jewelry includes such beads. </span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">It was for this substance and for the coffee beans -- some of which were roasted 'arabica' style in Yemen before export -- that the Europeans brought the silver thalers from which this bead and the smaller bead baubles were made. Agates such as carnelian and quartz are also highly prized in Yemen. The Yemenis still export the clear quartz agate beads that do not show the large crystals as might be expected of quartz; rather they are somehow clear and smooth in appearance. The carnelians on this pendant are not from Yemen; They are from India. They bear the characteristics of handmade beads, in that the bead hole was bored by hand. It does not go straight through the small carnelian beads and it is quite a bit smaller at the interior joining of the bore that was made first from one side of the bead and then from the other. </span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Pendant Measurements: 35 mm x 84 mm (1.4 in x 3.25 in, including carnelians and small silver baubles) </span><br style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Torq Length: 18 inches (46 cm)</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For purchasing information see my website at </span></span><a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/craftsofthepast/5061831/">http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/craftsofthepast/5061831/</a></div>
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Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922182657854056460.post-55025321470832786462013-03-28T13:41:00.000-07:002013-03-28T13:41:10.526-07:00The Ornamental Dagger of Yemen
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Antique Yemen Inscribed Ornate Silver Dagger in Sheath Still Usable</div>
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<a href="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/4/824/37824/5437824/5437824/large/antique_yemen_inscribed_ornate_silver_dagger_in_sheath_still_usable__3097bce4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/4/824/37824/5437824/5437824/large/antique_yemen_inscribed_ornate_silver_dagger_in_sheath_still_usable__3097bce4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/5437824">Yemen Inscribed Ornate Silver Dagger in Sheath</a></div>
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This dagger or jambiya is one of the old daggers forged and decorated by the superb Yemenite Jewish silversmiths that emigrated to Israel in the early 1900s and took their artistic knowledge and ability with them. </div>
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The sheath is decorated profusely with granulation and inlay, and is partially wrapped in a soft black leather. The dagger is still sharp and is in usable condition. The loops attached to leather wrapping serve to attach the dagger to the clothing of the wearer of the dagger. </div>
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<a href="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/4/824/37824/5437824/5437824/large/antique_yemen_inscribed_ornate_silver_dagger_in_sheath_still_usable__c4e7c7c1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/4/824/37824/5437824/5437824/large/antique_yemen_inscribed_ornate_silver_dagger_in_sheath_still_usable__c4e7c7c1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Such daggers are worn by Moslem men. This particular one is inscribed with the name 'Daoud' or David written in Arabic. He was probably the owner and wearer of this fine piece. The antique daggers are worn as a status symbol because of the financial value. Yemen still has metalsmiths that create imitations of these magnificent pieces, but the material and the silversmith's techniques are inferior. Many of recent manufacture are made as simply decorative items and are not meant to be used. </div>
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The old jambiyas are to be worn on an elaborately woven belt woven originally by men but the art is now being taught to younger women. As explained by Marta Colburn, a frequent traveler to Yemen:</div>
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Men in Yemen do not commonly wear jewelry, except for silver rings. The one exception is the decorative dagger called a jambia, which is a common item of dress for most highland Yemeni men. The jambia has great symbolic value establishing one's place in social hierarchies and tribal membership, though it is rarely used as a weapon. The j-shaped version of this dagger, asib, is worn by tribesmen, while judges, legal scholars and religious elites wear a more gently-curved version called a thuma or tuza .... This version worn by elites often displays very intricate and exquisite silver craftsmanship on the sheath.</div>
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The belt is an important decorative and functional element of the jambia. Leather is covered with velvet and other fabric embellished with geometric or religious designs in metallic gold or silver thread. The designs may be embroidered or, as in the case of my belt, tablet-woven brocade. Traditionally various silver crafted items would be sewn to the belt for decorative and functional purposes (powder horn, money pouch and amulets). -- Marta Colburn</div>
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This dagger was collected from an antiques dealer in Yemen. </div>
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Your inquiry is invited. </div>
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Measurements:</div>
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Sheathed Dagger - 2.5 in x 14 in (6.3 cm x 35.5 cm)</div>
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For purchasing information see <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/5437824/">CraftsofthePast</a> .</div>
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Anna Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07505304954930155680noreply@blogger.com0