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.

Hamsa buckle

From the region of Meknes - 100 to 70 years old. The chiseled decoration is a bit faded from usage.
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Comments

  • I think this is a very nice, well-worn example, Becky, and I agree with your dating, possibly veering more towards 100 years than 70 years, as the wear is quite pronounced and the patina very rich; also, there is nothing sharp and lifeless about the workmanship, which is always a good sign. Again, Truus and I have one very similar to yours, and again it can be found on p. 409 of Truus's *Ethnic Jewellery and Adornment*! We obviously like similar things! Cheers, Joost
  • What a patina! Definitely very early. I see I have commented to that effect before. And I have no doubt. It's a lovely piece.
  • sorry to be a buzz killer but the patina could very well be forged!!

     

    there is a big contrast of patina level between the buckle and the ornated part!

     

    what is very bizarre here is the shape of the khamsas!! this shape is not early and in general, symetrical khamsas figurations are not old

     

    we need to have a look a the backside

  • I have no doubt, Ayis, that this patina is perfectly genuine, whatever else may be the case.
  • It is perfectly natural that the top should be more worn than the side. Without seeing the piece with my own eyes from all sides I can see absolutely no problem.
  • i can somehow follow you on your patina argument, but as for the khamsa's shape i am still very skeptical.

     

    Any hallmarks becky?

  • The shape seems entirely logical, consistent and fluent to me, without any problems that I can see.
  • i was just stressing on the fact that symetrically shaped khamsas were really odd in antique moroccan jewelry.

     

    virtually all the early moroccan khamsas were not symetrical

     

    The presence of a hallmark should be very natural on an early buckle like this...if it is genuine. Its absence would make me even more skeptical

  • I don't think that hallmarks can be expected as a matter of course, Ayis. Practice seems to have varied greatly in that regard. Not least on early pieces. From the literature I have I would also observe that there is really nothing extraordinary about the (rough) symmetry. Again, these things varied, and would depend on the maker. The key thing is to me that the wear and patina here, on the top, are entirely convincing. I do not for a moment think that they are faked. And ultimately it is the evidence of the eye which seems to me important rather than the question of how often hands were more or less symmetrical. As pieces were individually made, they did, also, vary. Sure, there were conventions, but not in such a way that one can rule out variation.
  • Some of the questions might have to do with when I took the photographs - before I polished or after. It is of course easier to get a shiny surface when it is smooth. There are no hallmarks on this one. Would it be better if I left everything untouched - no cleaning?

    Becky

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