Vintage Rare Silver Egyptian Zar Armlet or Bracelet

This is a fantastic find: an Egyptian silver zar upper arm bracelet. The bracelet has two rows of filigree circles at the front and overlaid on those are alternating diamond and square elements imprinted with a stamp that I cannot decipher. The band is decorated with geometric motifs. There are bell dangles hanging all around the bracelet. 

The armlet is likely from the late 19th century to early 20th century. A scratch test shows positive for silver. It is in good vintage condition, slightly bent on the upper two sides. There is a very similar bracelet in the Quai Branly Museum (71.1980.66.2).

This is a rare collector's item used in the zar ceremony. The ceremony was designed to appease a spirit that has taken lodgings within a person with drumming, singing, and dancing. The ceremony had its particular jewelry and this bracelet is one of the items used.

Dimensions:

• The inner circumference is 28 cm (11").
• The inner diameter is 9 cm (3 1/2").
• The width without the dangles is 4.5 cm (2 3/4").
• Weight is 209 g.
  

For more Egyptian jewelry, please visit the Egyptian Collection.