Beaded Hapamat - Kungrat - Uzbekistan (No reserve price)

A Kungrat Hapamat or glass beaded pectoral ornament set with mother of pearl buttons and low-grade silver discs.
Uzbekistan - Mid 20th century

The Kungrat Uzbeks are descendants of Turkic tribes from the Golden Horde who settled in the southern regions of present-day Uzbekistan and neighboring Tajikistan around the 16th century. They were semi-nomadic sheepherders who maintained many of their traditions, including their distinctive clothing and headdresses, even under Soviet rule.

Women from this tribe adorn themselves with beautiful beaded ornaments, that have been largely unstudied, mislabeled as Turkmen work, or misinterpreted as animal decoration.

The breast ornaments and other beadwork of the Kungrat Uzbeks, are a distinct tradition within Central Asia where glass beads were not generally preferred. Unlike other nomadic groups in the region who favored silver and gold, the Kungrat Uzbeks, particularly women, extensively used glass beads to create chokers, long net-like necklaces (gulband), and especially breast ornaments like this one, known as hapamat. These pieces were traditionally made by the women themselves. This example is set with mother of pearls buttons and low-grade silver metal discs to ward off malign forces and for additional protection against negative thoughts and depression.

Height = 40 cm
Width = 31 cm
Weight = 400 g


Good condition. Normal traces of age and use.
Please take a careful look at all photos for a good impression.

Insured shipping.
Can also be collected in Ghent, Belgium.