Pair of Omani Silver Anklets

This pair of large, hollow anklets are of high-grade silver, and probably were made in Nizwa, Oman. They are unusually heavy and the silver is especially pure. Such pairs are also found along the Swahili Coast. It seems they were both imported to the Coast from Oman and possibly also made there. (See a similar pair in the British Museum attributed to Zanzibar.)

Such anklets were worn at weddings and at other major celebrations, and seem to be based on prototypes from West India.

Each of the pair here opens on a hinge when the central bolt with its slightly domed finial, is removed. (The bolts pull out rather than screw out.) Each bolt is attached to its respective ankle by means of a silver chain.

The silver of each is beautifully decorated with punch decoration, chasing and engraving work. They are particularly fine examples of this type of anklet.

The sides of each are decorated with highly stylised makara or dragon faces.

The fronts or bezels are decorated with bands of geometric motifs and flower motifs.  The backs have been left plain, but within decorated borders.

The Swahili Coast-Oman connection came about through trade and political links. Zanzibar was ruled from Oman and then Oman’s court actually reloacted from Oman to Zanzibar on Africa’s east coast. Also, Oman was heavily involved in the East African slave, ivory, timber and spice trade.

The pair is in fine condition. They have a lovely, waxy patina. The reverse of one has a light dent. The presence of the original chain is good; often these are lost.