Vintage Yemen Bib Necklace Libbeh or Libba

This is a turn of the century libbeh or libba Yemen bib necklace made of five rows of metal beads sewn onto cloth. This particular pectoral necklace comes from the Central Heights of Yemen, but was also worn in Saudi Arabia. It  covers the neck all the way down to your cleavage. The five different layers of interconnected beads have filigree and repousse work. All have little bells so that a pleasing sound is created with movement.

A similar libba necklace is illustrated in Heather Colyer Ross' s book The Art of Bedouin Jewellery. In her book, she  astutely remarked that the original design of the libba necklace may have been influenced by the chainmaille armor worn by Crusaders.

The necklace is in good condition, it is missing a few bells and it is once had cloth ends (now it has metal chain ends which are difficult to tie), but apart from that it's all there. Quite a rare feat!! If you intend to wear it, you should add a strong twine to the original one or a hook to the chain.

Dimensions:

• 24 x 13.5 cm (9 1/2 x 6 ").
• 66 cm 26" with the metal chain.
• Weight 430 g.