Pair of Yemen Silver Bracelets (Damlaj)

This pair of silver bracelets originally was intended to be worn on the upper forearm. They are very similar, though not quite a pair in a Western sense. They are though of essentially identical size. Their form of a wide band and a round ‘face’ might have been based on a European wrist watch.

Each is decorated with applied granulation work, applique work and applied silver filigree, all arranged in hands around the hoops, and then around the ‘faces’ in a circular fashion.

A similar example is illustrated in Ransom (2014, p. 56).

This type of bracelet is from Saada, in north-western Yemen, close to the border with Saudi Arabia, and was the work of local Jewish silversmiths who specialised in this type of silver applique work.

The pair here is in an excellent, wearable condition.