Large bedouin necklace or head ornament (Yemen) - ID please - Photos

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Large bedouin necklace or head ornament (Yemen) - ID please

Posted by Betty on March 21, 2015 at 2:18pm

This is a large and heavy piece, made of a metal alloy with little or no silver, but quite nicely done. I believe the 2 chains affixed to the triangular boxes really belong at the bottom, withe the boxed may have been strung on a cord or similar. More information regarding the exact origin or use would be highly welcome.

Comments

Lynn Ardent March 21, 2015 at 2:24pm

This is a necklace or chin chain from South Yemen which Marjorie Ransom places in Shabwa. They were worn as a choker, or falling just beneath the chin. It is gorgeous, did you buy it?
Betty March 21, 2015 at 2:29pm

Thank you, Lynn. I read about their use as a chin chain, but when you are holding it in hand it is hard to imagine how it could have been held in place because of the substantial weight...

And yes, it's mine. I just couldn't resist, but may have to sell it again ... First I will have to think about cleaning it, I am sure it'll shine up nicely after some polishing. The previous owner must have poured a completed scent bottle over it :-)) It's quite overwhelming.
Lynn Ardent March 21, 2015 at 2:36pm

Congratulations Betty! It is gorgeous. I hope you can remove the smell and enjoy this lovely necklace.
Mustafa J. Salem March 21, 2015 at 3:48pm

Attractive necklace, beautiful craft, It is nice that you add this very nice piece to your collection. Congratulations Betty.
Betty March 21, 2015 at 4:22pm

Thank you Mustafa!
Peter Hoesli March 21, 2015 at 7:53pm

Dear Betty; I just love the three agate inserts in the chain. Very nice - congratulation. Peter
Betty March 21, 2015 at 8:07pm

Thank you, Peter.

I am not sure if the red stone is agate or glass paste, but I also love the way they are integrated in the chains. Apart from one bell that has its lower half missing, it is a complete piece.
Betty March 21, 2015 at 8:13pm

What a great source of information this forum is! Just found a picture of a similar piece posted by Nada a while ago confirming my suspicion that the outermost chains were originally arranged differently:

https://ethnicjewels.ning.com/photo/140
Linda Pastorino March 23, 2015 at 6:37pm
Linda Pastorino March 23, 2015 at 6:40pm

This is like one i have now for sale an is from Shabwa area Habbn and Ataq i think