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.
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.
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.
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 here. This culture no longer exists in Yemen. By 1948, the silversmith workshops had closed and the artisans had gone to the state of Israel.
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.
See more information on this necklace HERE.
Dimensions of signed bead in first photo: 34 mm (1.33 in) x 36 mm (1.4 in)
To purchase the bead signed by Iraqi Haron, CLICK HERE.
Another great instructional post. I like the idea of bridal pieces that have such historical background and meaning. That leads to a question. Did they pass these bridal pieces down for other generations to wear or were new pieces made up from generation to generation?
ReplyDeleteHi Laura,
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading this and inquiring about it. The women used the bridal dowry as they chose. If they needed to use a bead to pay a doctor or to buy food even, they snipped off a bead and left the remainder of the dowry as their savings account for just such a purpose. In addition to the gradual removal of some of the original pieces from the jewelry, parts of the dowry would be melted down for each daughter's wedding. The silversmith would then make new pieces for a new bridal dowry.
The reason we have these old pieces is that they were left in Yemen when the Jewish silversmiths left there to go to Israel in the 1940s. Most of what remains of this magnificent cultural dowry is of about the same age, there having been no one to make new jewelry in this tradition in Yemen.
I am cutting the story too short, but I hope I have at least begun to answer your question.
Anna, This is a wonderful post. I always learn so very much when visiting your blog. It is mind blowing that they are still around after so long. Such old and historic items with such rich history!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you entirely on appreciating the endurance of these beautiful handmade jewels from the past and from a place so far away from us. It is only because my husband traveled in Yemen that we got to know and appreciate the artistic culture there.
ReplyDeleteAnna
The history of these beautiful handcrafted pieces is interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ewenique! It rather goes with your name ;)
ReplyDeleteAs always, another fascinating, informative post, Anna. The workmanship in those pieces are just so stunning. makes me wonder how long it would take to make one bead with all the intricate work. Thanks for sharing your considerable knowledge with us!
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ReplyDeleteThank you, Catherine. I appreciate all that I learn from your wonderful blogs on different styles and materials in jewelry making. I have picked up dozens of pointers on how to improve my own work.
ReplyDeleteAnna
I can't help being fascinated, yet saddened, that some of this beautiful work has been melted down to create new work.
ReplyDeleteThe thought that occurs to me is that it's a symbolic way of letting go of the past and looking forward to hopes and dreams for the future.
I do understand your feelings, Dawn. We are just fortunate that a great deal of it was left in place in Yemen when the makers of such fine jewels left Yemen.
ReplyDeleteAnna
Your Yemen jewelry are some of my favorite pieces. I love the history you give of your beautiful jewelry.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting and educational post, Anna. It's always fascinated me to learn about historical pieces. Understanding the story behind the bead would definitely add a sentimental value to this beautiful necklace.
ReplyDeleteAdorebynat
Thank you very much for sharing my appreciation of historical ethnic jewelry, Nat and Cathy!
ReplyDeleteAnother history lesson with beauty - thank you!
ReplyDeleteLisa