Omani Hair Ornament and Brooch

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Posted by Lynn Ardent on February 19, 2015 at 3:17am

An Omani ornament which can be worn in the hair or as a brooch. It has a primitive C-clasp in back. Covered in protective eye shapes.

Peter Hoesli February 19, 2015 at 10:00am

Dear Lynn; This is a beauty. Cherish it because there are not many left. I am sure that it is, same as mine, very heavy. This was the real quality stuff! Congratulations and kind regards. Peter
ingrid Langerak February 19, 2015 at 10:35am

Is this meant as the David star, and does that mean it was worn only by the jewish people? And all they eyes on them all cultural believe do flow throug each other really.
Betty February 19, 2015 at 10:51am

Lucky girl! This is gorgeous...

I don't think it is a star of David (which is 6-pointed), Ingrid. But the pentagram has been used as a symbol in many cultures (I am thinking of North Africa, for example). In Medieval Europe it used to be a protective symbol for example and I have a ring from Ethiopia engraved with several pentagrams. With all the protective eyes present in this piece it seems reasonable to conclude that this star might also have a protective function. But I am just speculating - I am sure we can find a more reliable reference somewhere :-)
Mustafa J. Salem February 19, 2015 at 3:31pm

It is a very nice ornament with the star and the moon. There is some kind of similarities between this ornament and what was worn in North African specifically Libya with some differences , but yet similar function. Note the example below:

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