Antique Turkman bracelet, Turkmenistan or Afghanistan. 7.7x6.6x5 cms

Fantastic Turkmen bracelet with exceptional silvermithing. The piece combines small niches with turquoise that follow the curved shapes of the bracelet in a sinuous and elegant way. Three large stones mark the ends and the center of the bracelet. The thickness and weight of this piece, the use of abundant turquoise together with the elaborate and sophisticated work of this bracelet, indicate that this piece was intended for someone with a certain position in the tribe.

In addition to the protective benefits of the fine silver metal itself, the semi-precious stones that embellish this amulet are also imbued with protective powers. Cabochons of Carnelian, a rich red colored Agate stone, are popular because they are believed to protect the wearers from illness and death. Carnelian is also believed to promote strong, healthy blood and ease in childbirth. Turquoise is less commonly used among the Turkmen, but serves as a symbol of purity and chastity. In some cases, less expensive glass beads of the same colors are used instead of semi-precious stones.

Turkmen People are predominantly Sunni Muslim, but retain many of their pre-Islamic customs and beliefs. Like most of the region’s nomads, traditional Turkmen People adhere to Islam rather loosely and combine Islam with pre-Islamic Animist Spirituality. Turkmen silver jewelry displays deep symbolic meanings, and often marked the passage from one stage of life to another. From a very early age, Turkmen women start wearing jewelry whose shapes and materials were believed to protect and ensure her ability to bear healthy children. The amount of jewelry young women wore increased as they approached marriageable age. Fine silver jewelry was believed to ward off evil and illness, as well as serve as Dowry or BrideWealth.

Material: Silver,  agate, and glass beads

Size: 7.7widex6.6 highx5 cms deep, 400 grams

Origin: Turkmen tribes, Afghanistan

Date: 1900s

Turkmen People are predominantly Sunni Muslim, but retain many of their pre-Islamic customs and beliefs. Like most of the region’s nomads, traditional Turkmen People adhere to Islam rather loosely and combine Islam with pre-Islamic Animist Spirituality. Turkmen silver jewelry displays deep symbolic meanings, and often marked the passage from one stage of life to another. From a very early age, Turkmen women start wearing jewelry whose shapes and materials were believed to protect and ensure her ability to bear healthy children. The amount of jewelry young women wore increased as they approached marriageable age. Fine silver jewelry was believed to ward off evil and illness, as well as serve as Dowry or BrideWealth.

In addition to the protective benefits of the fine silver metal itself, the semi-precious stones that embellish the jewelry are also imbued with protective powers. Cabochons of Carnelian, a rich red colored Agate stone, are popular because they are believed to protect the wearers from illness and death. Carnelian is also believed to promote strong, healthy blood and ease in childbirth. Turquoise is less commonly used among the Turkmen, but serves as a symbol of purity and chastity. In some cases, less expensive glass beads of the same colors are used instead of semi-precious stones.

The turkmen are people who speak a language belonging to the southwestern branch of the Turkic languages. The majority live in Turkmenistan and in neighbouring parts of Central Asia and numbered more than 6 million at the beginning of the 21st century. About one-third of the total population lives in Iran, especially in the north, and another 500,000 live in northeastern and northwestern Afghanistan.  These groups are called the Transcaspian Turkmen. Pockets of Turkmen are found in northern Iraq and Syria. Smaller groups live in central Turkey. The territory of the Turkmen is generally arid. They were by tradition a nomadic pastoral people, living in tent villages and raising sheep, goats, horses, camels, asses, and cattle.