Enquiry about object: 10292
Impressive, Signed, Egyptian Siwa Silver Bracelet (Asawir)
Siwa Oasis, Egypt early 20th century
diameter: approximately 6.8cm, width: 9.5cm, weight: 241g
Provenance
private collection, London, UK.
This heavy silver cuff bracelet is an unusually large and good example of a ‘C’-form silver bracelet from Egypt’s Siwa Oasis.
It is finely engraved with flower and leaf motifs. The exterior is supplemented by four chunky and protruding, diamond-shaped rivet studs, each unusually stamped on the face with a central Arabic inscription most probably giving the maker’s name. This is the first time we have seen this, published or otherwise. Usually, the heads of these rivets are reserved for geometric designs only.
The bracelets is widest near the opening and then tapers to the narrowest section at the back.
The interior is embossed with no less than seven sets of Egyptian assay and maker’s marks, including marks shaped as Ottoman tughras.
The bracelet is in excellent condition.
References
van Cutsem, A., A World of Bracelets: Africa, Asia, Oceania, America, Skira, 2002.
Hoek, C., et al, Ethnic Jewellery: From Africa, Asia and Pacific Islands, Pepin Press, 2004.
Nadler, D. & S., Silver: From Fetish to Fashion, PDN Publishing, 2005.
