Turquoise - Silver - Torc - Dignitary torque "Kafir"
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Surya Rutten
Has over 25 years' experience in Asian art and owned an art gallery.
Estimate € 280 - € 310
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Description from the seller
Exceptional rigid collar (neck ring) from Nouristan (formerly Kafiristan), a remote mountainous region in northeast Afghanistan.
This piece is a rare testament to the culture of the Kafirs ("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 pre-Islamic Kafiristan society, 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 collar was a privilege strictly reserved for clan chiefs, renowned warriors, and close family members.
Production of these objects ceased almost immediately after 1900, making them historical collectible pieces.
Technical features & fabrication details:
Structure: A massive and imposing body formed by a thick metal wire spiral, into which a thinner secondary twisted wire is inserted, creating a complex relief pattern.
Ends: The tips are finished with stylized hook-like buds (or buttons) curving inward, typical of Nouristan craftsmanship.
Ornamentation: Two lateral rosettes are applied to the torques body. Each is set with an ancient blue glass cabochon (glass paste), 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 period, often melted from ancient coins.
Dimensions: Diameter approx. 16 cm x 19 cm. Total extended length: 44 cm.
Substantial weight: 465 grams (a noble weight for this type of piece).
Condition:
Good overall condition. The object shows an authentic, deep patina of use, with no obvious modern restoration. The glass beads are original.
Provenance:
Item from a private collection.
Careful and protected shipment
Contractual photos: the item shown is the one you will receive
Please contact me with any questions or for additional photos
Exceptional rigid collar (neck ring) from Nouristan (formerly Kafiristan), a remote mountainous region in northeast Afghanistan.
This piece is a rare testament to the culture of the Kafirs ("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 pre-Islamic Kafiristan society, 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 collar was a privilege strictly reserved for clan chiefs, renowned warriors, and close family members.
Production of these objects ceased almost immediately after 1900, making them historical collectible pieces.
Technical features & fabrication details:
Structure: A massive and imposing body formed by a thick metal wire spiral, into which a thinner secondary twisted wire is inserted, creating a complex relief pattern.
Ends: The tips are finished with stylized hook-like buds (or buttons) curving inward, typical of Nouristan craftsmanship.
Ornamentation: Two lateral rosettes are applied to the torques body. Each is set with an ancient blue glass cabochon (glass paste), 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 period, often melted from ancient coins.
Dimensions: Diameter approx. 16 cm x 19 cm. Total extended length: 44 cm.
Substantial weight: 465 grams (a noble weight for this type of piece).
Condition:
Good overall condition. The object shows an authentic, deep patina of use, with no obvious modern restoration. The glass beads are original.
Provenance:
Item from a private collection.
Careful and protected shipment
Contractual photos: the item shown is the one you will receive
Please contact me with any questions or for 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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