Silver - Necklace with pendant - Faturan, Bakelite, Yemen,

Antique Yemeni silver Hirz talisman necklace - 148g Tested Antique Faturan / Cherry Bakelite Beads - Early 20th Century
Main category: Ethnic and Tribal Art / Asian and Islamic Art & Jewelry
Lot Description: A stunning and highly collectible, authentic tribal Bedouin bridal necklace from Yemen, dating to the first half of the 20th century (c. 1920–1930). This exceptional piece combines heavy, rare resin beads with traditional hand-made Yemeni silver-smithing and is in a beautiful, untouched condition.
The beads (Genuine Antique Faturan): The necklace comprises a graduated strand of solid, cherry-black-brown phenolic resin beads. Historically in the Middle East and the antique world known under the sought-after name Faturan (or cherry Bakelite).
Exceptional weight: The total weight is 148 grams. This is a very substantial weight for collectors, reaching the highest category in gram value.
Authenticity guaranteed: The beads have been thoroughly tested with the hot-water test and immediately emit a strong, unmistakable medicinal/carbolic odor. This confirms 100% that they are authentic, old phenolic resin from the early 20th century and absolutely not modern plastic.
Condition: The beads show a gorgeous well-worn patina. There is a small, honest old flaking visible on the side of one bead (see detail photo), which actually proves the beautiful, solid and uniform color on the interior. The drill holes are undeniably hand-made.
The silverwork & construction:
Central Hirz amulet: The centerpiece of the necklace is a classic cylindrical 'Hirz' (prayer or talisman box), hand-made by Yemenite-Jewish silversmiths for the Bedouin community. The tube is decorated with fine linear, zigzag and filigree relief work. On the back are the original loops (to which historically rattling bells or coins hung).
Khalfah Interlinks: Directly next to the larger beads are traditional, hand-cast hexagonal silver spacer beads with fine granulation work.
Artisanal protection: The necklace is strung on the original continuous textile cord. Very special are the original metal spiral wire guards that sit between the main beads; these protect the cord from the sharp interior edges of the beads for decades.
A museum-worthy piece of Middle Eastern tribal heritage, ideally suited for high-end collectors of antique Faturan, Bakelite and ethnographic jewelry.
Specifications:
Total weight: 148 grams
Bead material: Certified antique phenolic resin (Faturan / Bakelite)
Pendant material: Tribal silver / Bedouin silver (lower alloy with copper/silver)
Origin: Yemen (Middle East)
Period: Early 20th century (c. 1920-1930)
Condition: In very good antique condition with original wear and a beautifully dark patina on the silver. This lot will be packed with great care and shipped by insured, registered mail."