Tribal Amulet Pendant Necklace with Hand-Engraved Silver and Woven Cord
Jewelry (Necklace/Pendant) · Traditional Artisan / Unbranded Tribal Workshop
Pattern: Traditional Ethic Amulet Design
Type
Jewelry (Necklace/Pendant)
Maker
Traditional Artisan / Unbranded Tribal Workshop
Material
Ethnic high-grade to coin silver (.800-.925 range typical for tribal work) paired with a traditional hand-woven black cotton or wool cord.
Dimensions
Pendant measures approximately 2.5 by 3 inches; overall necklace length is adjustable via cord; total weight is approximately 60 to 90 grams.
Description
An arresting and culturally rich tribal amulet necklace featuring a substantial rectangular silver pendant suspended from a thick, braided black cord. The face of the pendant is densely decorated with intricate hand-engraved and chased geometric motifs, consisting of concentric frames filled with linear hatching, chevrons, and triangular zig-zags. The top of the pendant incorporates five cylindrical loop bales through which the cord passes, flanked by tightly wound silver wire collars. Dangling from the lower edge are several playful, mobile silver charms featuring tiny spherical bells and coiled wire elements that create subtle movement and chime gently when worn.
Key Features
Intricate hand-engraved geometric surface texturing, multi-loop bale suspension, dangling bell-and-wire charms, and traditional braided black cord with silver wire accents.
Material & Composition
Ethnic high-grade to coin silver (.800-.925 range typical for tribal work) paired with a traditional hand-woven black cotton or wool cord.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and aged finish with heavy hand-chased and engraved geometric hatching, chevron patterns, nested rectangular borders, and dangling bell-like charms with wire-wrapped beaded drops.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically unmarked or bearing rudimentary artisan validation stamps characteristic of unhallmarked traditional tribal export or native jewelry.
Construction Details
Hand-hammered and folded sheet silver construction, hand-engraved surface details, soldered wire loops and suspension bails, handcrafted dangling components.
Functional Features
Hinged or looped suspension top allowing the pendant to sit centrally on a heavy braided cord necklace with decorative silver wire wraps.
Handle & Grip Details
Black braided fabric and cord necklace with silver wire-wrapped collar sections near the bail and a knotted tassel terminal.
Craftsmanship Details
Entirely handmade utilizing traditional techniques including sheet raising, filing, cold-chisel engraving, and manual wire-wrapping, demonstrating high ethnic artisan skill.
Authentication Indicators
Irregularities in the hand-engraving, natural unevenness of the sheet metal folding, and hand-soldered joints confirm traditional artisan creation rather than modern mass-production casting.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely of South Asian, Middle Eastern, or North African tribal origin (such as nomadic artisan traditions from Rajasthan, Yemen, or similar regions).
Era & Period
Mid to Late 20th Century Traditional Folk Craft (stylistically drawing on centuries-old nomadic and tribal traditions)
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s to 1980s, based on the wear patterns, oxidation, and material consistency.
Cultural Significance
Represents the rich heritage of nomadic and indigenous jewelry-making traditions, where silver functioned simultaneously as portable wealth, cultural identity, and spiritual protection.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. The silver displays a rich, unpolished natural dark oxidation and patina in the recesses. Minor surface scuffs consistent with age and gentle handling. The fabric cord remains sturdy with minor fraying at the tassel ends.
Value Estimate
Estimated between $150 to $350 USD depending on the silver purity test results, precise geographic provenance, and collector demand for ethnic tribal jewelry.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft dry cloth to preserve the dark oxidized patina in the engraved recesses; avoid chemical liquid dips which would strip away the desirable antique-style finish.
Similar Pieces
Bedouin tribal pendants, Himalayan amulet boxes (Gau), and traditional Yemeni or Rajasthani silver necklaces.
Interesting Facts
Such heavy amulet pendants (often referred to as 'taweez' or protective boxes) were historically worn by nomadic women not only as personal adornments but as protective talismans to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.