Author
Unknown
Publication Date
1860
Publication Place
Syria (made) -
Subject
Jewellery Metalwork Amulets
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
Maximum length: 32cm
Library
Victoria and Albert Museum
Library Asset ID
1535-1873
Record ID
1535-1873
Library Location
Middle East Section
Date
1860
Notes
The traditional jewellery of the Syrian region, which incorporated much of Palestine, Jordan and Lebanon as well as Syria itself in the 19th century, shows influences from a wide range of sources, reflecting Syriaâs strong trading traditions and central location. The jewellery worn in towns, which is often Ottoman in style, is frequently very different from that worn by the nomadic Bedouin, whose characteristic silver jewellery is much better known today. This pendant was described as a â hirz â when it was acquired by the Museum. The word â hirz â means an amulet case, and although there is no evidence that the triangular piece at the top of this pendant ever opened, or indeed contained anything at all, the shape alone was considered sufficient to act as a defence against evil powers. It was bought for five shillings and six pence at the International Exhibition, London, in 1872, as an example of traditional Syrian jewellery.
Malzemeler ve teknikler
Silver-plated metal decorated with applied filigree and set with a red paste, with pendent coins Plated Paste Filigree
Fiziksel açıklama
Hollow triangular pendant of silver-plated metal, decorated on the front with applied filigree and a red paste, with six loops for pendants: one at the top, one on each side, and three at the bottom. The top loop holds a ring for suspension. Each of the others has a similar ring, from which hangs a long dense loop-in-loop chain ending in a hollow sphere with two wedge-shaped pendants. There are further wedge-shaped pendants attached to the centre of each chain, with Ottoman coins above and below them.
