HvWO 087

Antique Omani silver necklace

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Shibgat necklace

Common Shibgat necklace, including three tier chain. Necklace with rigid horizontal bars. Decorated with gold-leaf and fake-coral (glass beads) On the diamond  shaped elements often depict Hanuman the hero monkey from the Hindu mythology. Total weight 145 grams. Silver with gold leaf over stamped floral designs.

Arab name: Shubqah / Shibgat

Period: 1900-1950 (central bead older)

Origin: Central Oman (Indian influence given the monkey picture designs? )This necklace is only worn by the Bedouin women in central Oman.

We do not know the origin of the "fake coral" glass beads, however we do know that already in 1879 traders in Jeddah imported glass and glass coral beads from Austria and Venice for the equivalent of 10.000 Maria Theresa thalers (but we are not sure these European beads found there way to Oman (ref 8  page 169))

 Antique Omani silver necklace

antique omani silver necklace  

References:
  1. Oman Adorned by Pauline Shelton  Robert Richmond / Apex London 1997 p 173
  2. Richardson & Dorr The craft heritage of Oman p 442  item 042 Disappearing treasures of Oman 1998 by Avelyn Foster p 44
  3. Silver jewellery of Oman by Jehan S Rajab 1997 p 37 
  4. Traditional silver jewelry and handicrafts from Oman 2009 by Jean Greffioz p 81
  5. Ethnic Jewellery from Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands 2002 Amsterdam Pepin Press p 48, page 58
  6. Islamic Art in Oman page 343
  7. Traditional silver jewelry and handicrafts from Oman by Jean Greffioz 2009 (privately published) page 81 fig 4.57 has photo with a similar item.
  8. Western Arabia in the Leiden Collections Traces of a colourful Past, by Luitgard Mols Arnoud Vrolijk, Leiden Publications 2016 page 169