Enquiry about object: 6942
Uzbek Gold Nose Ring (Arabek)
Uzbek People, Central Asia, including Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan 19th-early 20th century
width: 2.9cm, length: 3.6cm, weight: 5g
Provenance
private European collection
This nose ring is of gold with gold beads, a square green glass bead, and red beads. A central gold disk designed as a star burst with fine gold granulation work is set with a red bead.
Nose rings were worn by Uzbek women in central Asia. They were attached to the right nostril and were believed to prevent malignant spirits from entering the body whilst the wearer inhaled.
Related nose rings are illustrated in Seiwert (2009, p. 192), Hoek (2004, p. 105) and van Cutsem (2005, p. 82).
The main gold beads are hollow and have some use-related denting.
References
van Cutsem, A., A World of Head Ornaments: Africa, Asia Oceania, America, Skira, 2005.
Hoek, C., et al, Ethnic Jewellery: From Africa, Asia and Pacific Islands, Pepin Press, 2004.
Seiwert, W.D., Jewellery from the Orient: Treasures from the Bir Collection, Arnoldsche Art Publishers, 2009.
