Central Asia, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, Turkoman (Turkman) Tekke peoples, ca. 19th century CE. An elegant silver bracelet boasting an elaborately decorated exterior and smooth interior. The outer face of the beautiful adornment is embellished with several horizontal rows of braided and horseshoe bend wires, as well as undulating reliefs and elevated bands. Each side of the bracelet features 5 equidistantly spaced, petaloid terminals. Size (of bracelet): 3.3" L x 2.7" W (8.4 cm x 6.9 cm); Size (of wrist opening): 2.2" W (5.6 cm); silver quality: 85.1 to 94.2%; weight: 155.6 grams

Beautiful jewelry like this was a hallmark of elite members of Turkoman society. Powerful people wore the items they commissioned or gave them as diplomatic gifts to rulers and elites in other countries as a way of showcasing the wealth of their own region. Jewelers worked on commissions from the richest members of society, obtaining precious metal from various mountains in the area, including Ferghana and the Zartalash east of Tashkent. Artisans in cities like Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent kept alive metalworking traditions once prevalent during the medieval period long after Europeans lost them.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010; ex-Beverly Hills collection, Los Angeles, California, USA

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#168291

Expected nicks, abrasions, and indentations in some areas. Otherwise, intact and excellent with light patina. Collection label on interior bend.