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Chin chain or iznaq from Bethlehem, Palestine

Posted by Lynn Ardent on August 24, 2014 at 12:19am

This was worn by Bethlehem city/town women, connected to the headdress by the hooks and dangling just beneath the chin. I have also seen photos of women wearing them with the hooks connected in back, as a necklace. This is how I wear it. It is about 800 silver and a dramatic jewel.

Comments

Peter Hoesli August 24, 2014 at 2:08am

Dear Lynn,
A very nice chin chain indeed! The classic version is with a total of 7 chains and (nick)named the "7 Souls Necklace". There are quite many variations existing though, depending also on the region they originate, of which I have a few in my collection. A nice find which becomes extremely rare to obtain. And if one can find the original pieces, the prices are rather astronomical. Congratulations! Peter
Lynn Ardent August 24, 2014 at 4:31am

Peter, I was inspired by your beautiful Palestinian jewels to photograph it. I am so glad you enjoy it! In my imagination, my Bethlehem lady was not so fine as to afford the seven chain version.
Peter Hoesli August 24, 2014 at 5:52am

Dear Lynn,
This is what counts! I have a unit which has 8 chains, hence, also not the typical 7-souls necklace. However, also in old days, not everybody could either afford the "typical" one or simple wanted to be different. Such deviations are usually rare and therefore precious as there are only a very few of the same existing. With kind regards. Peter
Nada August 26, 2014 at 4:29am

Beautiful piece no matter how many or few its souls are! Thank you for posting a picture.