Vintage Silver Twisted Rope Upper Arm Bracelet
Vintage Silver Twisted Rope Upper Arm Bracelet
This is a beautiful silver bracelet for the upper arm. The bangle or armlet is similar to the armlet known locally as Qbur Malwiya in Tunisia. A similar bracelet can be Quai Branly Museum dating to the 19th century. It is made of solid silver and has a silver wire wrapped around the body. The wire on the inside of the bracelet has been so worn that it has virtually disappeared. The two bulbs at the end have a few dings in them (please see photos).
This type of bracelet is a descendant of animal head bracelets brought over from India and Persia. These were adapted by Arab and Muslim silversmiths into finials of more abstract forms, such as this one.
Inner circumference is 21 cm (8 1/4") but it is adjustable with care. Inner diameter is 8 cm (3"). The bulbs are 1.5 cm (5/8"), while the body is 5 mm across. Weight is 46.5 g.