Vintage silver Turkoman pendant with fire-gilding and carnelian cabochon
Pendant is 3 inches long and 2 inches wide at widest point. Decorated with engraving and textured with hammering.
Turkoman jewelry was 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. Most Turkoman jewelry reaches us through Afghanistan.
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