Teke Pectoral Ornament

Unknown

late 19th–early 20th century · Silver; fire gilded and engraved/punched with gallery wire, twisted wire chains, and embossed pendants and cabochon carnelians · Islamic Art

This bold silver ornament comes from the world of the Turkmen tribes of Central Asia. Some of the forms such as the lozenge-shaped pectoral pieces relate to the styles of jeweled arts of the courts and urban centers while most of these large and vibrant ornaments are a final expression of the unique sensibility of the Turkmen people as their nomadic life gives way to modernity.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 19th–early 20th century

Medium

Silver; fire gilded and engraved/punched with gallery wire, twisted wire chains, and embossed pendants and cabochon carnelians

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Marshall and Marilyn R. Wolf, 2021