The disc shown “on top” actually hangs down from the bottom of the belt, and clearly something (a female utentsil, or a sword) would have often been attached to it. There is no doubt that these belts, often referred to as jakicar, were made in particular in Albania, probably also elsewhere in the Balkans. An… Continue Reading
These anklets are exceptional in not showing enamelling, which is typical of later pieces. Continue Reading
This Uzbeki variant of the Turkoman siradjna was worn by women over a big, upright hat-like headdress, in such a way that the central piece was placed at some considerable distance above the nose. Continue Reading
This is an Ottoman period garment clasp from South Bulgaria / Greece. The motif of a double-headed eagle was very popular in this area, and appeared on various objects of personal adornment – buckles, clasps, pendants, and so on. The presence of the cross indicates that Christianity did not readily surrender its status under the… Continue Reading
This headdress is virtually identical in design to the example shown in Hannelore Gabriel’s authoritative Jewelry of Nepal, p. 74, a so-called lunya swan; probably Newar work. It is worn like a hat on the back of the head. Continue Reading
The art of enameling was retained by Islamic and Jewish craftsmen in North Africa when they were expelled from Spain in 1492. In both Algeria and Morocco this art continued to reach great heights. Continue Reading
This outstanding belt was made in Hungary when the Ottoman Empire was powerful in much of Europe. While no precious materials were used to manufacture this, it is an object of singular beauty because of the craftsmanship and artistry. Continue Reading
An almost identical example appears on p. 30 of Tibet: a Lost World (1978) , by Valrae Reynolds, which deals with the Newark Collection. Reynolds describes this as a man’s hair ornament, “tied to a silk or cotton scarf. This ornament was worn at a sharp angle over one eye”. See also a photo in… Continue Reading
