Antique fire-gilded silver diadem or headdress (sinsile) worn by Turkoman women of the Teke group. 18 inches wide by 4.75 inches long.
Originally attached to a cap, or other headgear, these ornaments were worn by girls and young women in some groups and married women in others (see also ASF-301)
Generically called "sinsile" these diadems all contain symbols related to family, ancestors, and fertility. The rams horns lining the top of each rectangle are protective as are the many carnelians, said to ward off danger in the form of bleeding, wounds or miscarriages.
Only one available
This is a serious collectible piece, but I know many of you will see the potential in the many components that could be re-incarnated into dozens of pairs of earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Don't be afraid to use it that way if you want to
Alternately, for the Art to Wear crowd, I can see this as a fabulous belt , or attached to the upper back of a jacket or coat. That would continue the Turkoman custom of sewing jewelry to clothing. Whatever happens I wish this piece a good life in its new home.
Germans seem to have had a particular affinity for Turkoman jewelry and many of the best books are in that language. One that has been translated is "Old Silver Jewellery of the Turkoman" by Dieter and Reinhold Schletzer.
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