Near East and Central Asia, Bedouin culture, ca. 19th to mid-20th century CE. This is a beautiful belt or necklace made from high quality 89.4% to 93.1% silver. The central pendant is comprised of a prayer box known as a tawiz or hirz, a locket for protection worn throughout Central Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East, in mainly Islamic and Hindu cultures to carry paper prayers or other spiritual items. The piece is comprised of double volute panels and 6 chains connected by rectangular plates, all with beading and floral details. The cylindrical capsule is suspended by the rings on a thick wire finding, the exterior decorated with loops, flowers, and knobbed finials on the ends. The lid of this cylinder is removable on one end and reveals a congealed substance inside which is a type of pitch to strengthen and prevent denting of the pendant. The addition of hooks or a clasp to the terminal ends, make this piece wearable! Size: 27.5" L x 1.6" W (69.8 cm x 4.1 cm); silver quality: 89.4% to 93.1%; weight: 368.8 grams

Provenance: ex-private C. Davis collection, Cypress, Texas, USA, acquired before 2011

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#169700

Surface abrasions and nicks to plates and chains. Softening and rubbing to raised floral and beaded motifs. Dark toning and patina throughout. Lid of amulet is loose and removable and should be better secured if wearing or displaying this piece. Not wearable as is, but a professional jeweler could likely add a clasp or hooks.