Turquoise - Silver - Torc - Dignitary torque "Kafir"
07
days
21
hours
27
minutes
37
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Surya Rutten
Has over 25 years' experience in Asian art and owned an art gallery.
Estimate € 300 - € 350
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Description from the seller
Exceptional rigid necklace (choker) from Nouristan (formerly Kafiristan), a mountainous region in the northeast of Afghanistan. This piece is a rare testimony to the culture of the Kafirs ("the infidels"), a people who preserved their ancestral polytheistic traditions until forced Islamization in 1895/1896 by Emir Abdur Rahman Khan.
Significance and Rank:
In pre-Islamic Kafiristan society, these torques were not mere jewelry but insignia of high social status. According to ethnologist Alfred Janata (as cited in the work "Schmuck in Afghanistan"), wearing this type of spiral 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, imposing body formed by a thick metal wire spiral, into which a secondary, finer twisted wire is inserted, creating a complex relief pattern.
Ends: The tips terminate in stylized inward-curved buds (or buttons) shaped hooks, typical of Nouristan craftsmanship.
Ornamentation: Two lateral rosettes are applied to the body of the torque. Each is set with an antique blue glass cabochon (paste glass), intact, symbolizing spiritual protection.
Material: Silver alloy (low-grade 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. Extended total 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:
From a private collection.
Careful, protective shipping
Contract photos: the presented item is the one you will receive
Do not hesitate to contact me for any questions or additional photos
Exceptional rigid necklace (choker) from Nouristan (formerly Kafiristan), a mountainous region in the northeast of Afghanistan. This piece is a rare testimony to the culture of the Kafirs ("the infidels"), a people who preserved their ancestral polytheistic traditions until forced Islamization in 1895/1896 by Emir Abdur Rahman Khan.
Significance and Rank:
In pre-Islamic Kafiristan society, these torques were not mere jewelry but insignia of high social status. According to ethnologist Alfred Janata (as cited in the work "Schmuck in Afghanistan"), wearing this type of spiral 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, imposing body formed by a thick metal wire spiral, into which a secondary, finer twisted wire is inserted, creating a complex relief pattern.
Ends: The tips terminate in stylized inward-curved buds (or buttons) shaped hooks, typical of Nouristan craftsmanship.
Ornamentation: Two lateral rosettes are applied to the body of the torque. Each is set with an antique blue glass cabochon (paste glass), intact, symbolizing spiritual protection.
Material: Silver alloy (low-grade 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. Extended total 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:
From a private collection.
Careful, protective shipping
Contract photos: the presented item 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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