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This photo does come out distorted. In reality it is beautifully balanced. It measures 12 x 8 cm.
Dear Ingrid, this does indeed look like a Turkoman asyk but it is decorated with patterns that are not usually associated with Turkoman jewellery but rather may be found in some Afghan pieces .. I think it was probably crafted by Afghan refugees based in Peshawer. Have a look at the following piece from Tribal Muse which has similar patterns: http://tribalmuse.com/womanspendantinfinesilver-contemporaryhandcra...
I think yours is a much nicer piece.
Ingrid, on second thoughts, the wire work on this asyk may be a contemporary representation of the old ram's horn motif commonly found on Turkoman pieces. Another Turkoman feature is the shape of the pattern incised upside down on the surface of the silver.... more ram's horns.
Thank you Thelma. Quite surprising or not you referring to the swirls as ramshorns. Just like on several of the coptic Dessie crosses they are placed on each end of the cross. Do you think the ramshorn is an ottoman symbol? They do show up also on Eastern
European churches.I will try to read on it, do you know what they stand for?
Dear Ingrid, yes, I agree, the swirly forms, possibly ram's horns, on this piece can be found on pieces from other traditions. In the Turkoman tradition, they symbolise the ancestors, an important element of the old religion. The shape probably has different meanings, or perhaps none, when it is used to decorate other types of jewellery.