Yomad Woman’s Inscribed Silver & Gilt Pendant Ornaments

This silver and gilt ornament set is from the Yomad or Yomut people of Turkmenistan and Iran. Possibly, it served as a back jewel or a braid ornament (satchmondchuk) for a high-ranking woman.

The two main elements are very fine asyk-style leaf-shaped pendants engraved, and decorated with finely-worked gilded plaques, around central carnelian cabochons in high box settings.

The reverse of each pendant is inscribed in Arabic with the numbers for ‘1223’ suggesting a date which approximates as AD1808. This might be the year of manufacture or the year in which the then owner acquired them so that they might be earlier. The inscription is unusually fine and delicate.

The pendants are suspended from chains of small, finely worked plaques (two set with faceted green glass), plus two larger non-matching round plaques, and a well-worn Middle Eastern silver coin.

Overall, the ensemble is refined and pleasing. It is useful to have elements that are not only dated but beautifully so.