Enquiry about object: 6944
Uzbek Gold Nose Ring (Arabek)
Uzbek People, Central Asia, including Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan early 20th century
width: 2.1cm, height: 2.9cm, weight: 4g
Provenance
private European collection
This nose ring is of gold and red glass beads. A central gold disk is inset with a turquoise chip. The gold elements are decorated with very fine gold granulation work.
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).
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.
