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: 55cm
Library
Victoria and Albert Museum
Library Asset ID
1560-1873
Record ID
1560-1873
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 necklace was described as a â hirz â when it was acquired by the Museum. The word â hirz â means an amulet case, and refers to all three pendants. Although there is no evidence that any of them ever opened, or indeed contained anything at all, the shapes alone were considered sufficient to act as a defence against evil powers. The necklace was bought for seven shillings at the International Exhibition, London, in 1872, as an example of traditional Syrian jewellery.
Malzemeler ve teknikler
Silver chain and filigree set with a red paste Silver Paste Filigree
Fiziksel açıklama
Three amulet cases on a long silver figure-of-eight chain. The central amulet case is triangular with a sheet silver back and a filigree front set with a red paste in its centre. There are five loops attached to its lower sides each holding a leaf-shaped filigree pendant. This central triangular case is flanked on each side by a cylindrical filigree case with four comma-shaped pendants hanging from its lower edge. None of the amulet cases opens.
