Bracelet/armlet - Saudi Arabia - Photos

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Bracelet/armlet - Saudi Arabia

Posted by Peter Hoesli on September 30, 2016 at 4:18am

Such low silver bracelet/armlets can still be found in the souks, however, only single pieces and very rarely in pairs. Even when a pair is offered, it is most probably not a pair as they look all extremely similar with some minor distinctions. This beauty, however, stood out by its sheer size and incredible, almost unbelievable weight. It is HUGE! As it is so distinctive, I simply had to have it....

Comments

Eva Baby September 30, 2016 at 8:05pm

gorgeous piece!
Anjali October 1, 2016 at 10:14pm

It's gorgeous, Peter! What a dramatic, wonderful piece. Can you elucidate some of the symbolism?
Peter Hoesli October 2, 2016 at 7:46am

Dear Eva and Anjali; Many thanks for your messages. This is a good question Anjali and I will follow-up. However, this is usually quite difficult because most of the sellers are Indian or Pakistani and unfortunately no longer Saudis. They are more interested in selling items and not the history or origin of the items. Hence, when I ask them a question, they are telling me anything just to keep me quite... There are also some Yemeni sellers, who are more knowledgeable. These are usually the older gentlemen.

Anyhow, like most of the Saudi jewelry, this upper-arm bracelet, called damlaj, has its origin in Yemen and was made for the women of the coffee-producing families of the mountains of Milhem in Mahwit province. I attach herewith the "standard version" of this upper-arm bracelet, which explains why my piece is so particular... With kind regards. Peter
Peter Hoesli October 2, 2016 at 8:16am

... and here is the piece, which I bought 6 years ago in Jordan... it is showing the top decoration better than the other piece. Hence, 3 rows with each 3 bubbles are arranged on each side and on the top of the armlet... Here in Saudi Arabia, this armlet is either worn in its traditional design which is mostly the case, or slightly amended, which is the case in the above armlet, which I recently bought in Riyadh. The seller had more of these armlets with a similar top design but none of them was so huge as this particular unit... I hope that this information can be of help to you. With kind regards. Peter
Anjali October 2, 2016 at 4:04pm

Dear Peter, all of that is so interesting! Thank you! Do you think any of these features could be male and female fertility symbols, or symbols of the mountains of Milhem? Since the work is originally of Yemeni design, I wonder if Marjorie Ransom would know about the meaning. In any case, both of your pieces are quite wonderful.
Betty October 3, 2016 at 8:33pm

A fabulous find and so distinctive with its there pyramids on top. I have only ever seen them with silver balls as the one you posted below. Congratulations on this gorgeous piece!