Turquoise - Silver - Torc - Dignitary torque "Kafir"
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€ 25
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Selected by Surya Rutten
Has over 25 years' experience in Asian art and owned an art gallery.
Estimate € 400 - € 450
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Torque dignitaire 'Kafir' in silver from Nouristan, Afghanistan, Persian-style, dating ca. 1850–1900, a rigid spiral collar set with turquoise stones, total weight 465 g, in good used condition with authentic patina.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Exceptional rigid necklace (collar necklace) from Nouristan (formerly Kafiristan), a mountainous region in the northeast of Afghanistan. This piece is a rare testimony of the Kafirs' culture ("the infidels"), a people who preserved their ancestral polytheistic traditions until their forced Islamization in 1895/1896 by Emir Abdur Rahman Khan.
Significance and Rank:
In the pre-Islamic society of Kafiristan, these torques were not merely jewelry, but insignia of high social rank. According to ethnologist Alfred Janata (reference in the work "Schmuck in Afghanistan"), wearing this type of spiraled necklace was a privilege strictly reserved for clan chiefs, valiant warriors, and close family members.
Production of these objects ceased almost immediately after 1900, making them historical collectible pieces.
Technical characteristics & manufacturing details:
Structure: A massive and imposing body formed by a thick metal wire spiral, in which a secondary finer twisted wire is inserted, creating a complex relief pattern.
Ends: The tips are finished with stylized hook-shaped buds (or buttons) bent inward, typical of Nouristan craftsmanship.
Ornamentation: Two lateral rosettes are applied to the body of the torque. Each is set with an old blue glass cabochon (glass paste), intact, symbolizing spiritual protection.
Material: Silver alloy (low-purity silver, confirmed by touchstone test: pale yellow reaction). This composition is characteristic of tribal jewelry of the era, often melted from ancient coins.
Dimensions: Diameter about 16 cm x 19 cm. Total extended length: 44 cm.
Substantial weight: 465 grams (a very noble weight for this type of piece).
Condition:
Good overall condition. The object shows an authentic, deep patina of wear, with no apparent modern restoration. The glass beads are original.
Provenance:
Item from a private collection.
Careful and protected shipping
Contract photos: the item shown is the one you will receive
Do not hesitate to contact me for any questions or additional photos
Exceptional rigid necklace (collar necklace) from Nouristan (formerly Kafiristan), a mountainous region in the northeast of Afghanistan. This piece is a rare testimony of the Kafirs' culture ("the infidels"), a people who preserved their ancestral polytheistic traditions until their forced Islamization in 1895/1896 by Emir Abdur Rahman Khan.
Significance and Rank:
In the pre-Islamic society of Kafiristan, these torques were not merely jewelry, but insignia of high social rank. According to ethnologist Alfred Janata (reference in the work "Schmuck in Afghanistan"), wearing this type of spiraled necklace was a privilege strictly reserved for clan chiefs, valiant warriors, and close family members.
Production of these objects ceased almost immediately after 1900, making them historical collectible pieces.
Technical characteristics & manufacturing details:
Structure: A massive and imposing body formed by a thick metal wire spiral, in which a secondary finer twisted wire is inserted, creating a complex relief pattern.
Ends: The tips are finished with stylized hook-shaped buds (or buttons) bent inward, typical of Nouristan craftsmanship.
Ornamentation: Two lateral rosettes are applied to the body of the torque. Each is set with an old blue glass cabochon (glass paste), intact, symbolizing spiritual protection.
Material: Silver alloy (low-purity silver, confirmed by touchstone test: pale yellow reaction). This composition is characteristic of tribal jewelry of the era, often melted from ancient coins.
Dimensions: Diameter about 16 cm x 19 cm. Total extended length: 44 cm.
Substantial weight: 465 grams (a very noble weight for this type of piece).
Condition:
Good overall condition. The object shows an authentic, deep patina of wear, with no apparent modern restoration. The glass beads are original.
Provenance:
Item from a private collection.
Careful and protected shipping
Contract photos: the item shown is the one you will receive
Do not hesitate to contact me for any questions or additional photos
Details
Era
1400-1900
Laboratory report
No laboratory report
Style
Persian
Estimated period
1850-1900
Metal
Silver
Brand jewellery
No
Main stone
Turquoise
Total weight
465 g
Surrounding stones
Turquoise
Condition
Good condition - used with some signs of wear
Gender
Unisex
Country of origin
Afghanistan
Title additional information
Dignitary torque "Kafir"
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