Earring

Unknown

11th century · Electrum · Islamic Art

This crescent-shaped (hilal) earring has been fabricated with filigree, beaded granulation, and several loops around the perimeter and interior which once attached gems. These characteristics, along with the hemispherical ornament, are typical of the opulent jewelry from the Fatimid Period (909–1171). The Fatimids ruled a kingdom that stretched across North Africa, the Levant and Hijaz, and as far south as Nubia, modern day Sudan, where it maintained control over the important gold mines which provided the raw materials required to make these sumptuous jewels. This earring is made from electrum, a natural alloy of gold and silver.

Artist

Unknown

Date

11th century

Medium

Electrum

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Louis E. and Theresa S. Seley Purchase Fund for Islamic Art, 1979