A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.
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I need help identifying hallmarks on this large khamsa. There are 5 total, one rams head not shown here, plus these. The date 1334 is stamped, plus other marks I can't identify.
Hello Toya
I can offer you information about some of your hallmarks:
1. The date 1334 corresponds to about 1914 in our calendar.
2. The object in the upper right corner is called "tower hallmark." Used during the reign of Sultan Moulay Hassan I from 1873-1894. This hallmark was used for items produced in either Fes or Meknes.
3. Regarding your question about the ram's head, if the letter "F" appears in the lower left of the hallmark, it pertains to production in either Fes or Meknes. If the letter "M" appears in the same area, it pertains to production in either Marrakech or Essaouira. If there is no letter at all, the production is from Casablanca. The use of the ram's head hallmark became obligatory on 1 October, 1925.
Thank you Marie for this detailed information. So if the earliest hallmark is the tower mark, used between 1873-1894, does that mean this piece is at least as old as 1894? Therefore the other more recent hallmarks were added after that time, each time the piece was sold? This is such valuable information.
The answer to both questions is most likely yes.