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Anteeka

Antique Yemeni Silver Headband for Headdress

Antique Yemeni Silver Headband for Headdress

Regular price $365.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $365.00 USD
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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

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