Vintage Rare Silver Egyptian Zar Upper Arm Bracelet

This is a fantastic find: an Egyptian silver zar upper arm bracelet with a protective Arabic incantation hand-incised at the front. The band is decorated with geometric motifs. There are bell dangles hanging all around the bracelet. 

This is a rare collector's item used in the zar ceremony. The ceremony was designed to appease a spirit that has taken lodgings within a person with drumming, singing, and dancing. The ceremony had its own particular jewelry and this bracelet is one of the items used.

The armlet is hallmarked with the Egyptian 3-part hallmark. It identifies the bracelet as being made in 1938-39, assayed in Cairo as 60% silver. There is another assay mark on the back of the bracelet. It is in good vintage condition, slightly bent on the upper two sides. There is a similar bracelet in the Quai Branly Museum (71.1980.66.2).

Dimensions:

• The inner circumference is 25.5 cm (10").
• The inner diameter is 7.5 cm (10").
• The width - with the dangles - is 6.5 cm (2 1/2").
• Weight is 94 g