Silver Filigree Amulet Pendant (Ta’wiz / Hirz) with Chain - Silver - Yemen - Early 20th century

Silver Filigree Amulet Pendant (Ta’wiz / Hirz) with Chain – Yemen / Middle East, late 19th–early 20th century


Large traditional amulet pendant (Ta’wiz / Hirz), hollow worked, with suspension chain and multiple dangling elements.

Origin
Middle East
Very likely Yemen (Southern Arabia)

Dating
Late 19th – early 20th century
(circa 1880–1930)

Material & Technique
Silver (traditional low-alloy silver, unstamped – typical for the region)
Hollow construction
Entirely hand-made
Rich filigree decoration using twisted and looped silver wires
Multiple articulated chain pendants with hollow silver beads
Central black cabochon stone, most likely onyx or black agate, set in a traditional serrated bezel

Description
This is an authentic Middle Eastern silver amulet pendant of rectangular form, traditionally known as a Ta’wiz (Hirz).
Such amulets were worn for spiritual protection and originally contained folded prayer texts or talismans inside the hollow body.

The front is densely decorated with fine hand-made filigree wirework and applied silver elements. A black cabochon stone is mounted centrally, framed by a serrated bezel typical of traditional Arabian silverwork.

The lower edge is fitted with multiple suspended chains terminating in hollow silver beads, creating both visual movement and sound, a feature believed to enhance the amuletic protective function.

A small original side opening is present. This opening was traditionally used for inserting or replacing protective texts or prayers inside the amulet. It is a functional and expected feature of genuine amulets of this type and period.

The reverse shows the typical slightly concave form of a hollow silver construction, with age-related irregularities consistent with long-term use.


Weight: 190 g (including chain and pendants)

Condition
Good antique condition, consistent with age and use:

Natural dents and minor deformations typical for hollow silver objects
Oxidation and surface wear
Filigree largely intact
No modern repairs detected
The piece has not been cleaned, retaining its original patina.

Provenance
From a European private collection.

Remarks
This is not modern ethnic jewellery, but a genuine historic amulet made for actual use. The combination of hollow construction, filigree work, suspended elements and the functional side opening strongly supports an authentic late 19th to early 20th century origin.