Enquiry about object: 6546
Large Tekke Parcel-Gilt Silver Chest Ornament (Gonzuk)
Tekke People, Turkmenistan early 20th century
length: 25cm, weight: 285g
Provenance
Dutch antique market
This superb lozenge-shaped breast plate or pectoral is from the Tekke (Teke) people of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. It comprises a finely pierced silver sheet with applied pearled silver bands, five oval-shaped carnelian-type stones in box settings, and fire-gilding (gold plating.)
Suspended from the lower edge of the pectoral are 29 silver chains each of which terminates with a silver pendant. These are embossed with grooved patterning and might represent highly stylised fish.
It is suspended from a fine silver chain necklace.
The reverse is of unadorned silver.
Similar examples are illustrated in Hoek (2004, p. 97), Kalter (1984, p. 119), Seiwert (2009, p. 253), and Borel (1994, p. 124).
The example here is in excellent condition. It is wearable and stable.
References
Borel, F., The Splendour of Ethnic Jewelry: From the Colette and Jean-Pierre Ghysels Collection, Thames & Hudson, 1994.
Hoek, C., et al, Ethnic Jewellery: From Africa, Asia and Pacific Islands, Pepin Press, 2004.
Kalter, J., The Arts and Crafts of Turkestan, Thames & Hudson, 1984.
Seiwert, W.D., Jewellery from the Orient: Treasures from the Bir Collection, Arnoldsche Art Publishers, 2009.
