Enquiry about object: 9243
Unusual Silver Torque Neck Ring with Haj Associations
Northern India or Pakistan second half of the 20th century
width: 18.5cm, weight: 143g
Provenance
UK art market
This neck ring or torque of twisted silver wire has eight silver Saudi Arabian qirsh coins which date to around 1959 have been applied to the torque, around a central silver, tiered flower-like plaque.
The form of the torque suggests ancient Hellenistic influence.
It is likely to have come from northern India or Pakistan and used coins most probably gathered in Saudi Arabia on the Haj. Possibly the necklace is from the Pashtuns, or the Swat Valley or the Chitral Valley.
It should be noted the silver wire torques also were worn in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The torque is an interesting collector’s piece. The use of coins from Saudi Arabia possibly suggests talismanic properties given its association with the Haj, Mecca and other holy places associated with Islam.
The item is in fine condition without losses. There is a small area of roughness to the silver just above the coins on the right-hand side.
References
Geoffrey-Schneiter, B., Bijoux des Toits du Monde de la Chine au Caucase, Foundation Baur, Musee des Artes D’Extreme-Orient/5 Continents, 2012.
Hoek, C., et al, Ethnic Jewellery: From Africa, Asia and Pacific Islands, Pepin Press, 2004.
Krzywicka, K., Ethnic Jewellery of Afghanistan: From the Asia and Pacific Museum in Warsaw, Asia and Pacific Museum in Warsaw, 2012.
Seiwert, W.D., Jewellery from the Orient: Treasures from the Bir Collection, Arnoldsche Art Publishers, 2009.
Untracht, O., Traditional Jewelry of India, Thames & Hudson, 1997.
