Vintage Middle East Silver and Niello Double Coil Snake Bracelet

This is a beautiful double coil silver snake bracelet made by the marsh Arabs from silver and niello. There is beautiful detailing on the head and tail as well as river pastorals across the body of the snake.  The bracelet is in good vintage condition though there is some wear to the niello towards the middle. It looks lovely on.

Length head to tail is 33.5 cm (13 1/4"). Inner circumference is 19 cm (7 1/2") Inner diameter is 6.2 cm (just under 2 1/2") but is adjustable. Width is 1 cm (3/8") at widest. Weight is 25 g.

The work with niello was the speciality of Mandeans, an ethnoreligious group thought to be indigenous to the Levant and Mesopotamia. The Mandeans lived by the banks of rivers and excelled in silversmithing techniques, especially fine niello.