HvWO 088

Antique Omani silver necklace
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Antique Omani silver Hanhun necklace

 

Scarce antique Omani silver necklace, including 6 Maria Theresia Thalers and a large disc with sun motive and with gild appliqués. The engraved medallion probably represents the "rayed sun" (frequently referred to in the Holy Koran and sued in Omani Koran decoration. See ref 8.   Weight 375 grams

 

 

Omani silver necklace

 

Antique Omani silver necklace

Arab name: Sumt / Samt

Period: 1900-1950

Origin: Oman

 References:
  1. Oman Adorned by Pauline Shelton Robert Richmond Miranda Morris Apex London 1997 p 173
  2. Richardson & Dorr The craft heritage of Oman Vol 2 page 442 / 443 items 045, 049 and 050
  3. Silver jewellery of Oman by Jehan S Rajab 1997 p21
  4. Traditional silver jewelry and handicrafts from Oman 2009 by Jean Greffioz pages 70, 71,
  5. Arab & Islamic Silver by Saad Al-Jadir 1981  Stacey International p 107
  6. Islamic Art in Oman page 350
  7. British Museum has a similar pendant: 2009,6023.239 Length: 47 centimetres; Diameter: 9.7 centimetre (central medallion) Weight: 342 grammes Silver necklace with a large central disc (samt) made of hammered and engraved silver, 13 barrel-shaped granulated beads and six Maria Theresa Thalers, strung on a purple thickly plaited yarn.The central disc is engraved with concentric circles, a central starburst with granulated decoration, small triangles and a dense background of cross-hatched lines. The design is accentuated with the addition of niello (lead sulphide, Arabic takhil), a black molten mixture that is rubbed into the engraved lines, and with gold leaf applied on the starburst and on the barrel-shaped bead affixed to the disc. This type of necklace is referred to as a 'disc with kohl' (samt or sumt mukahhal) or 'coins with kohl' (qirsh mukahhal, referring to the Thalers), and was traditionally made by silversmiths from Oman's Interior towns, such as Nizwa, Bahla and Rustaq. The coin pendants are worn with the Empress's face (the obverse) against the wearer's body
  8. 2016 Illuminated Qurans from Oman by Heinz Gaube and Abulrahman al Salimi, Vol 8 of the series on Ibadism and Oman  Published by Georg Olms  221 pages and many colour illustrations. Page 19