Algerian Necklace, Detail 2

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Algerian Necklace, Detail 2

Posted by Lynn Ardent on January 4, 2015 at 3:39am

Another detail, this one showing the larger pieces of coral.---Algerian experts, please help me with ID! This gorgeous necklace has three twisting strands of tiny faceted beads and coral which string through large coins and three hirz amulets. Around these three strands is a fourth strand of smaller coins which twists from strand to strand. The necklace is very long, 35" / 99cm, and 380 grams.There are 71 coins dating from the 1730s (2 Real Felipe), Ottoman coins from the early 1800s, a Napolean III with the date worn off, and a 1902 French coin. Some of the Ottoman coins are single-sided jewelry coins, but most appear to be real. The triangular hirz are empty but the rectangle has something inside it.I have found enough references to identify this as Algerian but none of them tell me who wore it, or where, or when.

Comments

ait ouakli January 4, 2015 at 10:54am

Nice piece and details

The corails are algerians, old. Coins are useb in algeria,kabyls,chawi (aures) sahara and oasis

The triangls amulettes ,sahara,specialy the oasis,oulad nail and aures

The central amulette:aures,oulad nail

The necklace without the amulettes, we can say kabyl

With the amulettes i will sayl saoura,aures,oulad nail. Could also be some regions near the kabylie as setif,bordj bou aararidj

The period is not easy to identifie,some elements are ilder than others, whats is also normal

My idea is some smith or lady used different authentic elements from different pieces of jewelry to string this beautiful one. I m not that sure but i think it s made in Ghardaia in the 80 ths but the elements are far much older
Lynn Ardent January 4, 2015 at 2:51pm

Ait, thank you so much for such a complete answer! As always you are very kind to share your knowledge. It is wonderful to know where the parts are from -- and exciting to know the box amulet is the same type I have seen hanging on Ouled Nail ladies!

Here are two more examples of necklaces strung together this way. This one is from Abzim, which unfortunately I do not have but nicked the photo from eBay. The second is from Arab and Islamic Silver.

Photos

Algerian Necklace, Detail 2

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