Photos

Comments

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  Patricia Deany October 5, 2011 at 3:22pm

  Excellent!
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  Suzan Kaplan October 5, 2011 at 3:43pm

  Beautifully balanced, what are the bales on the sides used for?
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  Anna Garner October 5, 2011 at 5:34pm

  Thanks, Suzan.  I have seen them used in two different ways in the authoritative publication on Turkoman ornamentation (Dieter and Reinhold Schlechter, Old Silver Jewellery of the Turkoman, 1983).  In some cases, the neck chain or often a fabric cord or woven and embroidered harness will tie onto the side bails, while a second band will attach to the center bail, something like front suspenders.  In other cases, I have seen the chain or thong fed through the center bail and the side bails have bell bead pendants.  The woven and embroidered suspenders are the most traditional, and I do have one of those in my collection.  It is a very huge breastplate, and it requires the bands to hold it comfortably on the wearer.  The embroidered bands add to the beauty of the piece as well.  I must photograph that piece and add it to the album.  

  Anna
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  Anna Garner October 5, 2011 at 5:40pm

  I am honored to have some photos from my Middle East and Central Asia album featured on the site's collection of featured items.  Thank you very much to the admin. 

  Anna