Enquiry about object: 10082
Omani Child’s Talismanic Silver Coin Necklace
Oman mid-20th century and earlier
circumference: approximately 26.5cm, diameter of coins: between 2.4 and 3.1cm, weight: 154g
Provenance
private collection, UK
The strand of 12 silver coins includes six British Indian one rupee coins, four Saudi rial coins, and two other Indian coins. Each coin has been mounted with a silver loop or short tube to allow it to be used as a pendant.
The Indian one rupee coins have the dates 1901, 1905, 1906, 1914 and 1818 (2).
The coin pendants are strung on a yellow cotton twine, and most probably were used as a talismanic necklace for an Omani child.
These coins circulated in Oman and were used as currency until 1970 when the country minted its own coins.
The use of these coins in this manner tells the story of Indian Ocean trade whereby there were intense commercial and migration links between the Gulf and India.
Each coin pendant has ample wear from use and age.
Coins were used in Omani jewellery in this manner in the belief that wearing them would provide some manner of talismanic protection to the wearer.
Similar coin pendants making use of British Indian and Saudi coins are illustrated in Evliyazade Camcigil (2017, p. 164).
References
Evliyazade Camcigil, O., Eastern Treasures: Ottoman, Oman, Yemen, Turkmen Silver Jewellery, Gilgamesh Publishing, 2017.
