3413

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    Yemeni Silver Amulet Box (Hirz) & Chain

    Bedouin People, possibly Rayma Region, Yemen
    early 20th century

    overall length of chain: 70cm (35cm when worn), width of box & attachments: 11cm, weight: 490g

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    Provenance

    UK art market

    This fine necklace and amulet box is from the Bedouin people of Yemen.

    The box itself, which is known as a hirz, is of silver and decorated with applied silver plaques and silver granulation work.

    The box opens at one end to allow slips of paper inscribed with protective Koran verses to be slipped inside.

    Suspended from it are eight groups of chains which terminate with silver bells and silver tear-shaped plaques decorated with applied silver granulation and wire work.

    The necklace itself if of thick woven silver wire and closes with a silver hook and catch.

    The overall necklace and amulet box is in fine, wearable condition. There are minor losses to some of the bells.

    References

    Ransom, M., Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jewelry, AUC Press, 2014.

    van Roode, S., Desert Silver: Understanding Traditional Jewellery from the Middle East and North Africa, BLKVLD, 2017.

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