Rare, silver Turkoman heart-shaped pendant with extensive fire-gilding, cut out traditional designs and carnelian cabochon. 2" x 2.5"
These heart-shaped pendants are miniature versions of traditional dorsal pendants, worn attached to married Turkoman womens' braids on their backs.
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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