Hair Ornament [or Plait Ornament]

Unknown

19th century · Gold, silk, coral, turquoise, glass · Islamic Art

Among the many beautiful adornments worn by Uzbek women, were jewels to adorn their hair. This ornament would have attached to a woman’s plait, or braid and embellished her long tresses. A variety of materials make up this object including silk, gilt-silver pendants, coral, turquoise, pieces of green glass and a large carnelian stone. These individual components were not all locally sourced and illustrate the strategic location of Uzbekistan along the silk road. The regions of Bukhara, Khiva, Samarkand and Kokand were important centers for the trade of jewels, textiles, and other luxury goods.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Gold, silk, coral, turquoise, glass

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891