Earring, One of a Pair

Unknown

late 19th–early 20th century · Silver filigree with applied silver gilt plaques, silver bells, and coral beads · Islamic Art

The tubular shape of these earrings is based on the form of amulet holders typically worn by Turkmen women as pectoral ornaments. Such amulets were originally designed to hold scrolls of paper inscribed with holy words or verses from the Qur’an. These earrings evoke the shape of such amulets, though they are pierced and would not have held anything within.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 19th–early 20th century

Medium

Silver filigree with applied silver gilt plaques, silver bells, and coral beads

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Marshall and Marilyn R. Wolf, 2013