Head Ornament

Unknown

late 19th–early 20th century · Metal · Islamic Art

The distinct crescent-shaped pendants suspended from this diadem are often found in jewels from Tunisia, and these lunar motifs reference the moon. The hooks at either end suggest that this jewel would have attached to a headscarf or other headdress allowing the fringe of pendants to hang across the forehead of the wearer. Similar pendants are found in Algerian and Turkish jewelry illustrating that this style was in fashion throughout the Ottoman Empire.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 19th–early 20th century

Medium

Metal

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Spear Jr., 1982