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Material: Metal
Rare Antique Qing Dynasty Chinese Ethnic Minority silver Coral necklace
Located in London, GB
A beautiful rare Antique Qing Dynasty Chinese Ethnic Minority silver Coral turquoise necklace from Yunnan. A superb chain necklace with added Taoist charms with turquoise and fine r...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Silver

Tutsi Archer Bracelet (arm Guard) Rwanda, Early 20th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Tutsi Archer’s Bracelet (Arm Guard) Origin: Rwanda or Burundi, Great Lakes Region Ethnic Group: Tutsi Material: Carved hardwood with copper inlays Dimensions: 17.5 x 21 cm diameter, ...
Category

Early 20th Century Rwandan Tribal Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Copper

Early 20th Century Indian Carved Wood Storage Chest Box
Located in New York, NY
Hand-carved wooden Indian tribal storage chest box with hand-wrought iron hinges and straps, and handle. Early 20th century, Northern India.
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Wrought Iron

Tribal Bronze Purse, Bag, Sculpture, West Africa
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Tribal Bronze Purse, Bag West Africa early-mid 20th century. leather and shell details.
Category

1950s Beninese Tribal Vintage Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Bronze

Antique Pyramidal Hmong Hill Tribe Silver Hairpin – Asian art antiques
Located in London, GB
Antique Pyramidal Hmong Hill Tribe Silver Hairpin – Asian art antiques This striking large pyramidal antique silver hairpin was handcrafted by the Hmong people of northern Laos, dat...
Category

1960s Laotian Vintage Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Silver

Poto African Iron Sword, Congo Africa on Stand
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Poto African sword, Congo Africa on stand. A forged iron sword with fine incised design, inlaid brass dots, overlaid brass strips, finely carved wood ha...
Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Wrought Iron

Vintage Nupe Cast Bronze Purse Container Bells and Rings Early 20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage Nupe of Nigeria thinly cast hollow bronze purse or container, probably created by the lost wax process with attached bronze bells and rings. Hollow with fine overlaid designs...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Bronze

Antique 19th C Hindu Shiva Brass Votive Head Indian Ritual Art Sculpture
Located in London, GB
Antique Indian Hindu Shiva Brass Votive Head – 19th Century Beautiful 19th-century brass votive head of Lord Shiva, finely cast with detailed moustache and turban. This larger form ...
Category

18th Century Indian Antique Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Brass, Bronze

18th Century Ngelima Bronze Currency Piece on Custom Steel Mount
Located in Chicago, IL
This rare 18th-century Ngelima bronze currency manilla is a stunning artifact, weighing an impressive 20 pounds of solid bronze. Adorned with intricate incised line drawings at its e...
Category

18th Century Congolese Tribal Antique Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Bronze

Old Copper Coins of Congo, Africa / Rare Objects / Folk Art/20th century
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old African coin. Before paper money and money were in circulation, bartering was taking place in Africa. Various goods such as textiles, fea...
Category

20th Century Congolese Other Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Copper

Bronze Currency Bracelet/Manilla, Dogon People, Burkina Faso, 19th Century
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
19th-century bronze currency bracelet / Manilla in horseshoe form with fixed opening. Intricate graphical swirl design and tips are shaped with large flat ends with 5 beads on each s...
Category

Mid-19th Century Burkinabe Tribal Antique Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Brass

Circa 1915 Pueblo Old Pawn Turquoise Cuff Bracelet in Stamped Ingot Silver
Located in Denver, CO
This vintage Southwestern Native American cuff bracelet, crafted by a Pueblo artisan circa 1915, is a striking example of early Old Pawn jewelry. Made...
Category

Early 20th Century American Native American Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Silver

Yoruba Nigeria African Royal Beaded Headdress Crown on Lucite Stand
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
West African hand beaded head dress crown from Yoruba, Nigeria. This artistic beautiful and functional art piece is covered with beads in turquoise, orange, green, yellow red, blue ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Nigerian Tribal Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Metal

Kota Reliquary Figure Gabon, Christies Provenance
Located in Sharon, CT
Kota Reliquary of classic form. Brass and iron over wood. On an old base, with an old number label. Ex Estate of Willliam Kohler, Christies NY 'Important Tribal Art' Nov 20 1997.
Category

1890s Gabonese Primitive Antique Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Brass, Copper, Iron

1960s Antique Large Penca De Balangandan Afro-American Amulet Tinplate, Brazil
Located in Andernach, DE
Absolutely unique very large creole 'Penca De Balangandan' from Brazil from around 1960. Tin base, possibly silver plated. Traditional slave amule...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian American Colonial Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Tin

Large Tibetan Chest with Hand-Painted Front
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Large Tibetan storage chest with traditional hand painted Dragons Tibet Wood, Iron, Paint 19th century. 27 x 59.5 x 22.5 in./ 69 x 151 x 57 Height on custom display St...
Category

19th Century Tibetan Other Antique Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

African Tuareg Silver Pewter Tea Pot from Mauritania
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage African Tuareg Tea pot Mauritania Mid-20th century Tuareg teapot from Mauritania, Africa, Western Sahara. Handcrafted of pewter, copper and brass...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mauritanian Folk Art Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Brass, Copper, Pewter

African door in carved wood and bronze of chief Baboun, Cameroon, early 20th
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
African door in carved wood and bronze of chief Baboun, Cameroon, early 20th century Art Baboun, Cameroon, early 20th century. Unique and rare object. C...
Category

Early 20th Century Cameroonian Tribal Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Bronze

Marroquin Arab 1870 Koummya Dagger With Sheath In Wood Silver And Brass
Located in Miami, FL
Marroquin forged steel dagger with sheath. Beautiful koummya dagger with a sheath from the region of Morocco, circa 1870. The blade was created with forged steel, mounted in wood and brass and embellished with silver parts decorated with chiseled and engraved motifs. The dagger is curved with a tick double edge blade, the handle is ornate with silver and wood. Like swords and daggers in most cultures, the Islamic dagger...
Category

1870s Moroccan Islamic Antique Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass, Steel

Genuine ax with copper blade from the Songye tribe DR Congo, early 1900
Located in Bilzen, BE
A genuine ax from the Songye tribe DR Congo, copper around wooden handle and with a heavy copper blade. The axes with a copper blade are much more rare then those from iron Hammered ...
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Copper

Bronze Currency Bracelet/Manilla, Dogon People, Burkina Faso, 19th c. - No 2
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
19th-century bronze currency bracelet / Manilla in horseshoe form with fixed opening. Intricate graphical design with lines and accent points on the top and at both tips. This type o...
Category

Mid-19th Century Burkinabe Tribal Antique Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Brass

19th Century African Iron Currency Mfunte Mfumte Nigeria Cameroon
Located in Point Richmond, CA
The price is for an individual currency and includes the custom made stand. The shape of a Mfunte currency has a seemingly simple yet complex design. The forged iron surface was scratched in an end-to-end direction to create a visually interesting surface, a central raised vein to create two sections, and swelling was incorporated on the front at the straight end. The aging of the iron has further added to the texture and attractiveness of the design. Colonial coinage replaced Africa's traditional iron currencies...
Category

Late 19th Century Nigerian Antique Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

Stunning Vintage Asian Designer silver bead flower petal necklace
Located in London, GB
Stunning Vintage Asian Designer silver bead flower necklace A faceted and cut silver bead necklace with floral and leaf detailed central section with central pumpkin shaped bead an...
Category

20th Century Chinese Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Silver

Reliquary Kota, Gabon, 1925
Located in Paris, FR
This exceptional Kota reliquary comes from the Mahogwe tribe, which lives along the Ogooué River in Gabon. The Mahogwe are part of the Kota ethnic group located in the northeastern r...
Category

1920s Gabonese Tribal Vintage Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Brass

19th Century Igbo Spiral Copper Alloy Arm Adornment/Currency, Nigeria
Located in London, GB
Cast into a beautiful coiled form, this copper alloy Igbo woman's arm adornment from Nigeria was also used as a form of currency. This 19th century piece has developed a lovely green...
Category

19th Century Nigerian Tribal Antique Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Copper

20th Century African Songye Nkishi Kifwebe Figure, Democratic Republic of Congo
Located in London, GB
For sale is this wonderful vintage African hand-carved Kifwebe association Figure (or "N'kishi"), originating from the Songye people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly the...
Category

Late 20th Century Congolese Tribal Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Metal

Antique African Bronze Bracelet Currency Bangle Tribal Artifact
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique African bronze bracelet currency bangle Tribal art. High quality bronze currency bracelet from west Africa. Traditionally used in monetary fu...
Category

Mid-20th Century African Folk Art Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Bronze

African Kuba Helmet Mask on Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Helmet Mask known as Bwoon from the Kuba Tribe in the Kasai region of Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa circa mid-20th century. The carved wood mask was decorated with copper plates on the face, and lavished embellished with trade beads, raffia cloth with cowrie shells and hanging seed pods, fur possibly from monkey. The surface and the interior both display good patina indicates a native use (contact rubbing) and age. Bwoom is one of three types of royal Kuba masks...
Category

20th Century Congolese Tribal Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Copper

Ankle Bracelet "Djokélebalé" or "Nsoukou" – Kota Culture, Gabon, 19th century
Located in NICE, FR
Impressive open bronze alloy ankle bracelet, featuring a wide ring decorated with six raised moldings. The oxidized, granular patina attests to its age and ritual use. These ornamen...
Category

1890s Gabonese Tribal Antique Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Bronze, Copper

African Tribal Statue Osseyba or Reliquary Figure Kota Mohongwe Peoples Art
Located in Miami, FL
A fantastically hand-crafted piece by the Kota (or Bakota) tribe who are located in the northeastern region of Gabon. This figure, which is a Mahongwe reliquary figure as exhibited with its truncated almond-shaped face, is made of wound copper, hammered brass and wood. Reliquary figures were used as guardians to protect the revered bones of venerated family ancestors and leaders and ward off unwanted spirits. These figures are meant to embody intense powers and were also commonly used in communal rites and ritual performances. This particular piece came from an American collector who traveled the African continent and collected African artifacts for over 50 years. This piece has a beautiful, organically aged patina acquired naturally over time and use. It is mounted on a custom wooden display stand. We believe it dates back to the early to mid-1900s but could be older. We are listing as 20th century because we did not have it appraised. This African Tribal Statue Osseyba or Reliquary Figure Kota (Bakota) Mohongwe Peoples decorative art would clearly stand out as part of a collection or by itself in any setting. Truly unique, eye-catching and engaging. Dimensions on stand: 25 3/4" High, 7" Wide, 5 1/2" Deep Kota Reliquary...
Category

Early 20th Century Gabonese Tribal Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Brass, Copper

Senufo pulley, carved wood, metal, rope, Côte d Ivoire, Africa.
Located in Nice, Cote d Azur
Senufo pulley, carved wood, metal, rope. Height 21.5 cm. Provenance: Escanne Collection, Van Bussel Collection, listed in The Masters of Sculpture of Côte d'Ivoire, page 235. Côte d'...
Category

1920s Ivorian Tribal Vintage Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Metal

Anglo Indian Brass and Hardwood Chest
Located in San Mateo, CA
Anglo Indian hardwood campaign or dowry chest. This has brass straps, handles and large hinges on the interior. The lock has the original key. The chest is in good condition. It show...
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Brass

Turkoman Tribal Ceremonial Headdress
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A stitched colorful fabric hat with applied silver tone roundels, plaques and pendants, bells and cowrie shells. The long back flap with a triangular Turkoman pendant with glass rou...
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Tribal Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Other, Metal

Tibetan Coral Necklace with Silver Painted Wooden Beads c. 1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderful example of a Tibetan Coral Bead mala / neckpiece with a stunning mix of orange & red colours that have aged beautifully over the decades. Tib...
Category

Early 20th Century Tibetan Tribal Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Coral, Silver

Antique Ethnic Brass Traditional Anklet Bracelet from India Vide Poche
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Dhokra art old ethnic tribal brass traditional ankle bracelet from India, repurposed as ashtrays ,catchall, or vide poche. Handcrafted of a hollow band of heavy brass decorated with chevron repoussé banding and lost wax granulation. The brass inner plate was later added to use the bracelet as a small ashtray. The closure was a push pin mechanism that was closed. India, circa 1920s. Measure: 7"5 D x 2" H. "Dhokra is an ancient folk art tradition prevalent in India in the eastern states of West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Dhokra craft objects are made through the process of non-ferrous metal casting using the lost-wax casting technique, which is one of the earliest and most advanced methods of metal casting known to human civilization. Its roots can be traced back 4500 years to the ancient city of Mohenjodaro in the Indus Valley Civilization. The name Dokra or Dhokra was used to indicate a group of craftsmen of nomadic type from the Dhokra Damar tribe, scattered over the regions of Bengal, Orisa and Madhya Pradash, whose wares were identified by their beautifully shaped and decorated metal products. The enchanting Dhokra art objects have motifs inspired by indigenous folk...
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Anglo Raj Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Metal

Bamun Copper Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Composed of fifteen miniature heads welded onto a circular form, this intricate necklace is styled after the prestige collars worn by royalty of the Kingdom of Bamum, a pre-colonial ...
Category

20th Century Cameroonian Tribal Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Metal

Ethiopian Procession Cross: A Sacred Heritage and Craftsmanship
Located in Ixelles, BE
Ethiopian Procession Cross: A Sacred Heritage and Craftsmanship. Structure and Composition: This finely crafted Ethiopian procession cross is rich in iconographic detail. Constructed from metal, likely bronze or brass, it features a complex structure with several decorative elements. - Central Part: • Madonna and Child: At the heart of the cross is a depiction of the Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus. This central image is framed within a circle adorned with openwork motifs and small inlays that appear to be precious stones or colored glass pieces. Arms of the Cross: • Angelic Musicians: Each lateral arm of the cross features an angelic musician, playing instruments and depicted in a flying position. The angels are finely detailed, with spread wings and carefully sculpted garments. • Cherub: At the apex of the cross, a cherub is depicted, a celestial being with multiple wings and surrounded by cloud-like motifs. • Bird Motifs: The lower extremities of the cross are adorned with bird motifs, likely doves, symbolizing peace and the Holy Spirit, placed within openwork circles. Base and Handle: • Engraved Base: The base of the cross, which serves as a handle, is also richly engraved with floral and geometric motifs, providing a sturdy and decorative grip for processions. History of Ethiopian Procession Crosses Origins and Evolution: Ethiopian procession crosses have a long history, dating back to the introduction of Christianity to Ethiopia in the 4th century under King Ezana. Influenced by Coptic and Byzantine traditions, these crosses evolved to adopt a distinctive style unique to Ethiopia. - Characteristics: • Style and Iconography: Ethiopian crosses...
Category

19th Century Ethiopian Primitive Antique Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Brass

31 Brazilian Silver Amulets
Located in New York, NY
These 31 Brazilian amulets, or balangada, were hammered from sheets of silver in the 19th century to form pomegranates, sugar apples, guava, and other...
Category

Mid-19th Century Brazilian Folk Art Antique Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Silver

Benin Bronze Bell Sculpture Depicting an Oba
Located in Palm Desert, CA
An exquisite Benin bronze sculpture in shape of a bell depicting an Oba. Oba translates to "ruler" in the Yoruba and Bini languages of contempor...
Category

20th Century Nigerian Tribal Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Bronze

Folk Style Filipino Hanging Talisman Or Outdoor Chandelier
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly invite you to read the full description below, as it contains detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity and value of our pieces. An original ...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Folk Art Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Metal

Vintage Pal Kepenyes Bronze/Brass Necklace, 20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage Pal Kepenyes bronze/brass necklace, 20th century. This Hungarian born artist worked in Mexico for decades, known for free-form sculptural jewelry...
Category

20th Century Mexican Modern Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Mid-20th Century Ceremonial Comb, Luba People, Zaire, D. R. Congo
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Ceremonial comb, Luba People, Zaire, D. R. Congo Made of palm leaf midribs, this large, graphic comb has a pinched waist and is held together with finely wrapped wire. Presented o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Congolese Tribal Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Wire

Antique Thai Hill Tribe Cuff Bracelet with Engraved Tribal Patterns
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This Thai hill tribe silver bracelet is beautifully engraved with tribal motifs. The Thai Silver Jewellery created by the Hill Tribes are objects o...
Category

Early 20th Century Thai Tribal Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Silver

Handpainted Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Wall Sconce
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large curved hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp sha...
Category

20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

Solid Brass/Nickel Alloy Cuff Bracelet, Nupe People, Nigeria, 19th/20th Century
By Nupe
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Late 19th or early 20th-century brass or copper alloy with higher nickel content. Bracelet in horseshoe form with fixed opening. Pierced design with rectangular shapes and carved swi...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Vintage North African Art Wall Sconce Parchment
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp s...
Category

20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

Ironwood Root Carved War Club
Located in London, GB
Gunstock shaped war club ‘Sali’. Ironwood root carved with traditional motifs. An excellent example, mounted on a custom stand in patinated bronze. Measure...
Category

1980s Fijian Vintage Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

19th Century Forged Iron Deer-Form Teeth Blackening Ritual Dish
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A rare 19th-century Japanese iron ohaguro tsubo-a ritual teeth-blackening dish-formed as a stylized deer. These were traditionally used to hold the heated iron implement and mixture ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Modern Antique Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

Traditional Throwing Knife (Ngalio) Chad Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Throwing Knife (Ngalio) Sara People, Chad, Africa Mid-20th century Material: Iron Height on custom display stand: 28 in. / 71 cm Known as "ngalio", thi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chadian Other Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

Moroccan Antique Brass Sugar Hammer
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Set of two Moroccan brass Berber tribal sugar hammer. Moroccan Collectible Brass Berber Sugar Hammer,Brass Berber Tribal Sugar Hammer. Authentic old Tuare...
Category

Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Brass

Traditional Silver Torque Necklace Chocker from Rajasthan India
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Traditional torque or Hansuli silvered necklace choker from Lambadi or Banjara and Sugali People, Andhra Pradesh, India.t India, circa 1940. Fabulous vi...
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Oceanic Handled Cup With Carved And Incised Decoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Tribal carved cup with handle with incised and carved design. Possibly from the Abeam People in the Sepik Region of New Guinea, the cup has overall meandering incised design and a s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Guinean Tribal Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Other

Nias Kalabubu Coconut Brass Headhunter Necklace
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This 'Kalabubu' necklace, also known as the 'head-hunter' necklace made out of coconut and brass is the most important ornament for the men of Southern Nias Island, North Sumatra...
Category

Early 20th Century Indonesian Tribal Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Brass

Decorative Horn with Brass Closure and Brass Tip for Storage, Drinking, 420
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful horn - typically used as a drinking cup on the camp, or storage of anything from gunpowder to tobacco - today, with the addition of a beaurtiful brass hinged top and adde...
Category

20th Century English Rustic Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century African Ceremonial Chief s Garment with Leather + Shell
Located in Wainscott, NY
An early 20th-century ceremonial chief's garment from Africa with leather and shell embellishment. This Garment represents a magnificent display of cultural heritage and craftsmansh...
Category

Early 20th Century African Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Metal

Wood and Brass Antique 19th Century Middle Eastern Camel Seat Saddle
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique, 19th century Asian Middle Eastern collector two person wooden camel saddle with ornate brass mountings and iron reinforcements. 19th Century Midd...
Category

Late 19th Century Egyptian Arts and Crafts Antique Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Brass, Iron

Antique Decorative Moroccan Arabian Jambiya
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique decorative Moroccan Arabian khoumaya or Jambiya, which is the name in Arabic Ornate with brass and silvered steel hammered element and wood handle. The decorative dagger is v...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Islamic Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Metal, Brass

Extra Large Curved Hoe Currency, Angas, Nigeria
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Extra Large Curved Hoe currency Angas, Nigeria Early 20th century Iron Measures: 29.5 x 20.5 in. / 75 x 52 cm Height on custom display stand: 33.25 in. / 84 cm Weight: 20.6 pounds / 9.34 kg Combined weight with base: 43.8 pounds / 19.9 kg The large currency forms are comprised of a heavy sheet of iron forged into the shape of a curved hoe. They were customary gifts for a bride’s father as well as having a function during wedding celebrations (Ballarini, The Perfect Form...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Other Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

Oman, Silver Gold Necklace with Amulet Box, 19th Century
Located in PARIS, FR
Stunning and rare Omani tribal necklace in gold and silver featuring eight Burgau thalers dated 1780 and a large amulet box (Hirz) also in gold and silver. 19th century. Very good condition. Preserved and professionally framed. Dimensions of the necklace: 52 x 30 x 3 Dimensions of the frame: 70 x 47 x 5 Secure shipping. This fine Omani necklace of silver and gold comprises two strands of spiky, seed pod-like silver beads; gold-wrapped beads; eight silver Maria Theresa thaler coins; and a large silver and gold amulet box, with multiple chain tassels each of which finishes with a square-shaped pendant cut from sheet silver. The cigar-shaped amulet box called hirz would have contained some Koranic verse or religious text. Such a spectacular display of wealth would only have been worn at times of important festivities such as marriage celebrations. Maria Theresa thalers were made in Austria since the reign of Empress Maria Theresa of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Empress died in 1780 and since that time, all thalers that were subsequently struck were minted with that date regardless of the actual year that they were produced. The coins achieved such a level of trust for their silver content (which is 83.3% silver) in the Middle East that neither the design not the date was varied, and so for more than 200 years the coins were used as an international currency among the tribes and the states of the Middle East, in much the same way as the Spanish dollar was used as an international currency at the time elsewhere. The thalers were used to complete most important transactions locally and were also given as dowries. They were also an important source of silver and were melted locally for jewellery. The coins made their way to the ports of the Red Sea, Egypt and northern Africa from the ports of Genoa, Trieste, Livorno and Marseille. European traders used the coins to buy precious materials from the Gulf and northern Africa which it desired – commodities such as spices, coffee, gum Arabic, indigo, pearls, and tortoise shell. The importance and the beauty of the coins saw them incorporated into local jewellery most particularly in Oman and Yemen. References Al-Jadir, S., Arab & Islamic Silver, Stacey International, 1981. Harrigan, P., ‘Tales of a Thaler’, Saudi Aramco World, January/February 2003. Hawley, R., Omani Silver, Longman, 1978. Hawley, R., Silver: The Traditional Art of Oman, Stacey International, 2000. Rajab, J.S., Silver Jewellery of Oman, Tareq Rajab Museum, 1998. Ransom, M., Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jewelry...
Category

19th Century Omani Antique Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Gold, Silver

An exquisite warrior s headdress or Kaibauk
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Amarasi district, Kupang regency, West Timor island, early 20th century
Category

Early 20th Century Timorese Metal Tribal Art

Materials

Metal

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