Turquoise - Silver - Torc - Dignitary torque "Kafir"
Opens tomorrow
Starting bid
€ 1
Add to your favourites to get an alert when the auction starts.
Expert
Selected by Surya Rutten
Has over 25 years' experience in Asian art and owned an art gallery.
Estimate € 400 - € 450
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 132329 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Description from the seller
Exceptional rigid necklace (neck ring) 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 mere jewelry, but insignia of high social status.
According to ethnologist Alfred Janata (reference in the work "Schmuck in Afghanistan"), wearing this type of spiral necklace was a privilege strictly reserved for clan chiefs, venerable warriors, and members of their close family.
Production of these objects ceased almost immediately after 1900, making them historical collectible pieces.
Technical characteristics & fabrication details:
Structure: A massive, imposing body formed by a thick metal wire spiral, in which a secondary, thinner twisted wire is inserted, creating a complex relief pattern.
Ends: The tips are finished with stylized hooks in the shape of buds (or buttons) curved 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 (paste glass), 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 period, often melted from ancient coins.
Dimensions: Diameter about 16 cm x 19 cm. Fully developed 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 and deep patina of use, with no obvious modern restoration. The glass beads are original.
Provenance:
Item from a private collection.
Careful and protective shipping
Contractual photos: the shown object is the one you will receive
Do not hesitate to contact me for any questions or additional photos
Exceptional rigid necklace (neck ring) 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 mere jewelry, but insignia of high social status.
According to ethnologist Alfred Janata (reference in the work "Schmuck in Afghanistan"), wearing this type of spiral necklace was a privilege strictly reserved for clan chiefs, venerable warriors, and members of their close family.
Production of these objects ceased almost immediately after 1900, making them historical collectible pieces.
Technical characteristics & fabrication details:
Structure: A massive, imposing body formed by a thick metal wire spiral, in which a secondary, thinner twisted wire is inserted, creating a complex relief pattern.
Ends: The tips are finished with stylized hooks in the shape of buds (or buttons) curved 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 (paste glass), 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 period, often melted from ancient coins.
Dimensions: Diameter about 16 cm x 19 cm. Fully developed 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 and deep patina of use, with no obvious modern restoration. The glass beads are original.
Provenance:
Item from a private collection.
Careful and protective shipping
Contractual photos: the shown object 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"
Sold by
