HvWO 058I

Pair of antique Omani silver elbow rings

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Antique Omani silver elbow ring

Scarce finely decorated and antique Elbow rings (Adud, Shilal) Evil eye motive. One elbow ring only. Fine design.  Diameter inside 6,5 cm  outside 10 cm Weight 140 grams. Elbow rings were worn just above the elbow under the clothes and have little silver balls or stones in them that rankle  when moving the arm. Elbow rings are very varied in patterns. It was also said that the rattle of the elbow-rings had a practical side: the men of the family could hear where the woman was and a stranger would be warned of her approach.

Omani antique silver elbow rings

Arab names: Adud / Shilal / Kharkash / Kitah / Zand (meaning upper arm)

Period: 1850-1950

Origin: Oman:  Sur, Jaalan, Bidiya

References:
  1. Oman Adorned by Pauline Shelton  Robert Richmond / Apex London 1997 109-110;
  2. J.L. Carter Tribes in Oman Peninsular publishing 1982 page 113
  3. British museum has similar item in their on-line collection number: 2009, 6023.113-114