HvWO 058II

Pair of antique Omani silver elbow-rings
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Omani antique silver Bracelet.

Common Omani antique silver elbow-rings. Wave or Snake like pattern. 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. Diameter (outside) 10 cm. 

 Antique Omani silver elbow rings

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

Period: 1850-1950

Origin: Oman: Sur, Jaalan, Bidiya. Carter ref 2 page 113 says they are specific from Rustaq in Oman but that exactly similar bracelets are still made in Iran and the design extends to Baghdad.

 References:
  1. Oman Adorned by Pauline Shelton  Robert Richmond / Apex London 1997 109-110;
  2. J.L. Carter Tribes in Oman Peninsular publishing London 1982 page 113
  3. Traditional silver jewelry and handicrafts from Oman 2009 by Jean Greffioz p 92 same design