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LLONG WAZIRI EARRINGS - Vintage Afghan Kuchi Dangle Earrings - 16 Gauge Earrings-1
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Item Number: abh-1130-Er
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Large Vintage Kuchi Earrings from Waziristan
These long Afghan dangle earrings were handcrafted during
the mid-1900's for the nomadic Kuchi tribe of Waziristan in Central Asia.
They are vintage tribal jewelry - not new reproductions.
MEASUREMENTS (1 inch = 2.54 cm):
Size = 4-3/4 inches long x 1-1/4 inches wide
Weight = 2.7 oz per pair
Shipping Weight = 9 oz.
Earwire Gauge = 16 gauge (thickness of wire that passes through earlobe piercing)
Material = Glass beads, Metal
The beaded starbursts are distinctively-Waziri, handmade
with lots of colorful beads.
Just below, clattering bell-dangles hang from large sturdy
domes that were rimmed with more beads.
Please note that the earwires are 16 gauge, which is much
thicker than standard-sized earwires and will not fit through regular small
earlobe piercings.
Earrings with thick earwires like these were also worn by
tribal women attached to headpieces, chains, or locks of hair to frame the face
(as in manikin image).
In excellent condition, these old tribal earrings have mild
wear-patterns and a subtle age-patina acquired over many years.
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About WAZIRISTAN: Once part of the opulent Mughal Empire,
Waziristan now belongs to the Tribal Areas in eastern Afghanistan and
northwestern Pakistan.
It was named after the Wazir tribe who lived there for
centuries.
Like so many other regions in this part of the world,
Waziristan has experienced years of recent turmoil and difficulties, especially
in its more remote areas.
Its prior heritage, however, was that of wonderfully vibrant
arts and skillfully crafted jewelry.
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