Old silver bracelet - Silver - Afghanistan - 20th century

Antique, beautiful Kuchi ethnic bracelet in silver, ring-shaped with a hinge, a central turquoise and a carnelian on the backside. Afghanistan/Turkmenistan, first half of the 20th century.

The Kuchi (or Kochi) are a nomadic and semi-nomadic group of primarily Pashtun ethnicity, originating from the south and east of Afghanistan. The term, derived from Persian "those who migrate," identifies shepherds who move flocks of sheep and camels, often living in poverty and in difficult conditions.

Kuchi culture is famous for its independence, herding, and crafts, especially metal jewelry and hard stones.

Jewelry like this is typical of Kuchi Artistic craftsmanship, entirely handmade for local use and not intended for export, often genuine goldsmith masterpieces.

The beautiful rigid wide cuff bracelet, wider at the front and narrower at the back, entirely in finely embossed silver with tribal geometric apotropaic motifs, features a large natural rectangular turquoise set centrally, while at the back there is a hinged band with a clasp. This also finely engraved with a reticulate pattern bears a round carnelian in the center, also ensuring maximum wearability even for a male wrist. The overlapping front structure culminating in the central stone is striking.

Good condition, preserving the antique patina without recent cleaning and/or polishing. Visible signs of wear are understandable for this rare piece that is almost a century old.

Dimensions
Bracelet measurements: Maximum height cm 3.9 / minimum cm 1.5; Width cm 7.3 x 7.3 approximately.

Weight: 56.5 g