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Palestinian Habbiyat Bracelet

Posted by Lynn Ardent on May 18, 2015 at 8:57pm
This is a silver "aswareh habbiyat" bracelet made in Nablus, Palestine. Worn by villagers in the central hills of Palestine, usually in pairs. This is a heavy and old example. The coin is dated 1867 and I think the bracelet is probably late 19th century. In my opinion, the dangling coin and the wide decorated link really make this piece. The second photo shows how it falls over the hand when worn.
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Tags: bracelet, cuff, hebron, palestine, palestinian
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Comments

  • Peter Hoesli May 19, 2015 at 8:02pm

    Dear Lynn; A beautiful piece indeed - and looking very old. It is almost impossible to get pairs nowadays. I know a gentleman in the old city of Jerusalem, who still has pairs but according to his statement, he keeps them in his safe. The last time, he has taken something out of his safe, it has cost me a fortune. Therefore, and since it was at the end of my trip and my money used up, I refrained from insisting. It would have only frustrated me to see a gorgeous pair of such bracelets and not being able to purchase them... Anyhow, Jerusalem is only a stone throw away from where I live (I can see the lights of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Jericho every night!) and therefore, I still might have a chance... Congratulation on this lovely piece Lynn! Peter

  • Betty May 19, 2015 at 8:29pm

    What a great bracelet, Lynn! I almost bought a similar one about a year ago, but not knowing exactely what it was I did not bid high enough...

    I also love the huge link and the coin - curious enough that it is a kopek piece! 

    Interesting to know that these link bracelets also came in pairs, Peter. I keep my fingers crossed for both of you that you will find a pair (or second one) one day...

  • Lynn Ardent May 19, 2015 at 11:27pm

    Thank you Peter and Betty! 

    @Betty, I think they were more available a year or two ago.  I remember seeing a number of these on eBay or etsy, again before I really knew what they were, and then nothing until I found this one in a live auction.

    @Peter, I love your story about the dealer and his super expensive safe.  :)  I'm sure you will find a pair in due time.

  • Alaa eddine SAGID May 21, 2015 at 9:45pm

    Fabuloussimo!!

    PLease do not mind my invented word, but this bracelet is one of a kind!

    Congratulations

  • Lynn Ardent May 22, 2015 at 12:19am

    Thank you Alaa!  Palestinian jewelry is probably my favorite type. 

  • TD August 18, 2015 at 2:42pm

    Lynn, gorgeous piece.  Have just been browsing through a blog and found a picture (the last one on the page) with such a bracelet being worn, which has been scanned from a book.  Might be of interest as a cross reference

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