Antique Turkman bracelet, Turkmenistan. 7x 5.2 cms

A chunky, thick and heavy antique Turkman bracelet. The workmanship is a mixture of refined work with a tribal charm. The fork shaped parts are full of rustic charm. Three agates decorate the central part of this piece, framed by two discs with flower or solar symbols.

Material: Silver and agate

Size: 7 width x 5.2 high x 4,5 depht x 3.5 interior cms, 60 grams

Origin: Turkmen tribes, Afghanistan

Date: 1900s

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.