25 Turkomen Beads Silver Metal Hollow Strand

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25 Turkomen Beads Silver Metal Hollow Strand:
$1099.00

TitleTurkomen Necklace Silver Metal Beads Pendants Old Other NamesTurkoman beadsMade InAfghanistanTraded InAfghanistanApproximate Ageearly to mid 1900sOverall ConditionGood to fair. Some of our beads have traveled at least three continents, and have graced numerous owners. Small chips, corrosion, and pitting are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.Damage/RepairDents, dirt, worn/fading decoration on some beads, general wear.Bead SizeBeads are 30-34mm in diameter. 42-55mm p-p.Strand Length40 inches.

Fabulous strand of 25 old Turkomen silver beads.

These beads are of high silver content, and they can be cleaned and polished, but we have left this decision to the buyer. They were brought out of Turkmenistan through Pakistan and then into the United States.

The Turkomen are a majority ethnic group in Turkmenistan (also known as Turkmenia) They inhabit the area around the Kra Kum Desert, which borders Afghanistan, Iraq, Turkey, Iran and Syria. Although once tent-dwelling pastoral nomads, most Turkomen today are farmers and stock breeders.

Turkomen beads and pendants are striking examples of a unique cultural tradition. Produced by the Turkomen people of Central Asia, these beautiful silver pieces feature design elements such as chasing and engraving that are then fire-gilded with gold. Many are further enhanced with the use of gemstones such as turquoise, carnelian and more. A century ago these pieces, in the form of headdresses, breastplates, pendants and beads, would have been worn at weddings and during the first years of marriage by Turkomen women. In fact, they would have composed a significant portion of the brideâs dowry. The quality and amount of the jewelry one owned represented wealth and status, and because the Turkomen are nomadic, they were able to travel carrying their wealth with them. Turkomen jewelry pieces often functioned as amulets and talismans. The blue beads were protection against the âevil eye.â Carnelian was associated with fertility, blood and life.

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