Antique Yemeni Silver Headband for Headdress

An early piece of twentieth-century silver Yemeni jewelry. This headband, called 'asba or 'isaba, was placed on the forehead like a fringe. It was worn by northern Yemeni women and was likely made in Wasab. 

The headband has an almost chainmail feel with 5 rows of connected chains and domes attached on top. From the bottom of the ornament hang several stylized hand-of-Fatima or khamsa dangles. The band ends with flat semi-circular finials, each decorated with five domes and roping. The finials are tied around the head or onto the headdress. This old piece can be worn as a necklace by tying both ends with a ribbon or twine.

The head ornament tests positive for silver. It has some oxidation and depressions in the domes but is generally in good vintage shape.

You can see a similar adornment in Musée du Quai Branly's collection and in Marjorie Ransom's book: Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba.

• Length is 34.5 cm (13 1/2").
• Width 5 cm (2").
• Weight is 91.7 grams.

For more Bedouin jewelry visit the Bedouin Jewelry Section.