Qajars were a Turkish-speaking minority with pastoral and nomadic lives based in Northern Persia. From the 18th to the beginning of the 20th Century, they created an original style of Persian arts and crafts by incorporating Indian and Chinese ideas into the traditions of Ancient Persia. Their comb designs reveal a unique skill, expertise, way… Continue Reading
A remarkably inventive and strong somp, viz. an object – worn on the chest – that imitates the shape of a kina, a crescent-shaped shell that used to be the national currency of Papua New Guinea. PNG Highlanders made these pectorals in wood, so as to own something like the real thing. On the object,… Continue Reading
This mas piring from Maluku, Indonesia, is made of high-quality gold. It was worn as a pectoral. In comparison with most dishes of this type this example is comparatively heavy (111.6 gr) and firm in its construction, partly because it is relatively compact and not too large. In several larger examples the amount of gold… Continue Reading
The Jadai Nagam has a hallowed place in Hindu tradition and mythology. Krishna is said to have defeated the evil multi-headed serpent Kaliya, who was poisoning the Yamuna River. Indian women’s long black braids falling down to the knees are supposed to resemble the black cobra. The Jadai Nagam, or hair serpent, is the braid’s… Continue Reading
This pectoral from Papua New Guinea, made of dogs’ teeth, is truly exceptional – very rare, according to all knowledgeable observers – in size and in shape. So far we have not been able to find out at all why, in comparison with other PNG dogs’ teeth pectorals, this has “wings” or “fins” attached, rather… Continue Reading
Text by Michael Backman: “This magnificent Indian bracelet is fashioned from thick, solid gold sheet, and set with 66 large cabochon rubies. “The bracelet is at its thickest directly opposite the central boss which is set with a central ruby surrounded by an outer ring of rubies. The outer side of the hoop of the… Continue Reading
Worn by Jewish and Muslim brides alike, the labbeh is attached to the sides of headgear to frame a woman’s chin. It is somewhat reminiscent of a bib. Continue Reading
The high-quality granulated and filigreed surface decoration on fine jewelry from Yemen was produced by Jewish craftsmen, who formed a thriving community there for about 2000 years. The finesse of this cuff bracelet is best shown on its side, rather than vertically. Continue Reading
