Vintage Tribal Jewelry Necklace from the Swat Valley

This unusual vintage necklace is classic Swati village jewellery from the lush Valley located in the Himalayan foothills just north of India. 

It was handcrafted in the 1900's in Central Asia. A traditional bejeweled bow-shaped pendant is flanked with lots of unusual old beaded connectors and dangling charms.  

A warm age patina remains, and has been gently rubbed from the front surfaces to reveal a luster below. The loop-in-loop chain slides over head to wear.

A traditional Swat bow-shaped pendant with sun rays hangs in the center, with a distinctive amulet charm suspended below to bring good luck. Some people see butterflies instead of bows in designs like this. 

Regardless, it is a classic Afghan Swat motif. Symbolically, butterflies and birds have been considered messengers from heaven, since they both inhabit the sky as well as the earth. 

This is one of the prettiest and most colorful Swati Tribal Jewelry necklaces of this style that we have come across.