Antique Turkoman horse pendant, elaborately etched with traditional fire-gilded designs and set with 4 carnelian cabochons
The three "horse eye" hand-shaped cabochons on the horse's body confirm the dating of the pendant to around 1910. More common, commercially cut round and oval (no pointy ends) cabs came later.
Unlike newer versions, which are a single sheet of silver, this pendant is made of two sheets of silver formed into an elaborate horse shaped flat box (soldered closed)
Handmade chain connects the 5 silver teardrops to the horse's body
This exceptional piece, only one available
Turkoman jewelry is characterized by its large scale, the use of fire-gilding on silver, granulation, and sinuous lines full of meaning to those who have studied the culture. Traditionally only carnelian stones were used, but now some lapis lazuli, black onyx and even turquoise is incorporated, mostly for export.
The nomadic Turkoman people have traditionally migrated throughout Central Asia, Iran and Afghanistan since the 11th century, finding new grazing for their herds of goats, sheep, horses and camels. They are known for their carpet making skills, and fabulous jewelry for humans and animals. Today many have settled and become farmers in Turkmenistan, but other groups try to maintain their nomadic lifestyle.
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