Turkmen jewelry is highly sought after by both
museums and individuals. The Turkmen are nomadic
herdsmen by origin. They live in the area surrounding the
Karakum desert in the Republic of Turkmenistan. The Tekkie,
Ersari, Yomud and Sarik are sub-groups of the Turkmen. The
grooms family would receive the bride bejewelled from
head to toe as an important part of the dowry exchange. The
jewelry would have been worn on an important occasion such
as their wedding day. It was a way to show off their wealth and
status. Multiple artisans would work on a given piece of jewelry
depending on their specialty such as chasing, engraving, gilding,
etc. For the nomadic people, jewelry was easily transportable
and could be exchanged for goods or melted down for its metal
value. In addition, many pieces of jewelry had a protective
function as an amulet or a talisman. Of all the jewelry, the Tekke
is best known. It is characterized by symmetry, filigree, and gold
gilding over silver and use of carnelian stones.
Dimensions: 6" H x 4 1/2" W
