Old silver bracelet - Silver - Afghanistan - 20th century

Antique very beautiful ethnically-inspired Kuchi cuff bracelet in silver, circular with a hinged opening, a central turquoise and carnelian at the back. Afghanistan/Turkmenistan, first half of the 20th century.

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

The Kuchi culture is famous for its independence, cattle breeding and production of craftsmanship, in particular jewelry in metal and hard stones.

Jewelry like this is typical of Kuchi Artistic craftsmanship, entirely handmade by artisans for local use and not intended for export, often true jewelry masterpieces.

The beautiful rigid cuff bracelet, a broad front portion and a narrower rear portion, entirely in finely chased silver with tribal geometric apotropaic motifs, features a large natural rectangular turquoise in the central position, while at the back there is a hinged band with a clasp. This band is also finely chased in a lattice pattern and bears a round carnelian in the center, ensuring maximum wearability even on a male wrist. The striking overlapping front structure culminates in the central stone.

Good condition, maintaining the patina of age without recent cleaning and/or polishing interventions. Wear marks are understandable for this rare piece which is nearly a century old.

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

Weight 56.5 g