Old Traditional Turkmen Tribal Jewelry Panel Necklace
The large antique Turkmen (Turkoman) doonbajik pendant on
this necklace panel was handcrafted in Turkmenistan, Central Asia during the
late 1800's or early 1900's.
It was skillfully made by Ersari tribal jewelry artisans
with gold-gilded designs and vibrant red beads set in raised bezels to ward off
the evil eye.
The open fretwork along the upper border is an elaborate rim
of stylized rams' horns placed there for protection.
The gilded patterns on the pendant's surface depict birds'
wings and flames, connecting the wearer with the more ethereal aspects of
nature.
Elaborate dangles with charms hang below, clattering
together with movement for a wonderful sound - an important element in tribal
jewelry to attract admirers and scare away demons.
A series of round plaques embossed with flowers decorate the
fabric of the panel - a traditional Turkmen flourish.
A short cord with a button clasp have been recently added for
wearing comfortably around the neck.
The more recent silken fabric of the panel is the color of
pomegranates - a traditional and favored color among the nomadic Turkmen.
Mild wear patterns and a warm age patina remain after many
years of time.
The doonbajik pendant has a characteristic diamond-shaped
design. It was sturdily made and does not bend.
Doonbajiks were worn as single pieces, or in pairs, with one
hanging on each side of the body like gorgeous oversized clasps.
Excellent condition. Collectible. (c)
MEASUREMENTS (1 inch = 2.54 cm)
Pendant Size = 7.25
inches long x 6.25 inches wide
Panel front drop =
13.25 inches long (distance between the upper and lower edges at center front)
Weight = 4.9 oz
Shipping Weight =
11 oz
About TURKMEN: The Turkmen (Turkoman) are a nomadic tribal
people who have lived in the harsh steppes of present-day Turkmenistan and
neighboring Central Asian countries for thousands of years.
Turkmen jewelry is notoriously large, said by some to be a
vestigial form of the armor worn by Turkmen women who fought alongside their
men in battle.
Until 1991, Turkmenistan was part of the USSR, which in the
1960's forbade Turkmen jewelers from making traditional tribal jewelry. As a
result, many of those skills were lost to the Turkmen culture.
The pieces I sell were handcrafted by Turkmen
artisans, far before the 1960 prohibition. (c)