Ethnic Design Collection Reto Zehnder

Omani nis'a or dufuf "earings" with silver wire decoration. Each earring comprises an elongated hollow cone decorated on the outside with silver filigree. A loop of silver wire (Hàlka) joins the top and the bottom of the cylinder. Women in Northern Oman wore these earrings, often several of them, depending on the wealth of the woman, attached to a silver chain which ran across the top of the head.

The triangular necklace called "Màkhnak", meaning "The pearl of the neck" is made up of a large central bead called in Rustaq area "al bursa", unripe date. On either side of the central bead are smaller silver beads and on red resin bead. these beads are strung on a rigid silver rod, which is attached to an elaborate triangular hinge, called "Mirkat" and which is linked to two silver chains. The "Makhnak" necklace was a basic piece of every Omani women in Norther Oman

The triangular necklace called "Màkhnak", meaning "The pearl of the neck" is made up of a large central bead called in Rustaq area "al bursa", unripe date. On either side of the central bead are smaller silver beads and on red resin bead. these beads are strung on a rigid silver rod, which is attached to an elaborate triangular hinge, called "Mirkat" and which is linked to two silver chains. The "Makhnak" necklace was a basic piece of every Omani women in Norther Oman.

The triangular necklace called "Màkhnak", meaning "The pearl of the neck" is made up of a large central bead called in Rustaq area "al bursa", unripe date. On either side of the central bead are two red beads coated with silver. The horizontal rod is attached to two elaborate triangular shaped and articulated pieces of small silver balls and in-between them six fine meshed silver chains. The "Makhnak" necklace was a basic piece of every Omani women in Northern Oman.

The triangular necklace called "Màkhnak", meaning "The pearl of the neck" is made up of a large central bead called in Rustaq area "al bursa", unripe date. On either side of the central bead are two red beads. At the end of the rigid silver rod, two small hirz with danglers are attached. The whole horizontal piece is attached to an elaborate triangular hinge, called "Mirkat" and which is linked to two silver chains. The "Makhnak" necklace was a basic piece of every Omani women in Norther

Oman.

Splendid necklace called "shibgat" from Central Oman. It is not strictly speaking a necklace as it is suspended from the ears. Here 2 chains were added to the top rings so it could also be worn as traditional necklace.

Yemeny necklace with 22 silver beads and small red glass beads. The necklace could be a islamic  prayer rosary even if th number of beads does not correspond.

Labba tayyur or bird necklace made by a Jewish silversmith probably early 1900. This is an outstanding piece of jewellery bought late 1970 in Yemen. It was considered already at the time as an extremely rare and expensive piece. It will need some more investigation regarding the artisan who created this unique piece of ethnic jewellery.

Four strands os silver beads form this necklace. The triangular ends are called turraf

Very fine Labba necklace with incredible detail and granulation, Jewish workmanship. The necklace which was worn over chin neck and chest. The necklace is made of a lot of silver parts, held together by silver rings. The layers have filigree and repousse work. The cooton string shows signs of long and intensive use.

This necklace bought in around 1980 in Yemen has a  large hirz amulet box suspended on the original chain of woven silver wire. The boxe is rectangular but with rounded sides, on the topis  a row of lozenge-shaped silver applique plaques . Fourteen dangles with small bells complete the box. For a Yemeni jewelery it has a very sober line. A beautiful and rare piece of ethnic jewelery. This necklace is typical for the Hadhramaut Region, Yemen.

Yemeni necklace made out of five strands with tiny, real coral beads and some silver beads,

Fine necklace from the Arabian peninsula, bought in Yemen mid 1970 ties. A double strand with fine real coral beads and central silver box with 2 medallions on both sides. The medallions sem to be antique, may be from some excavations.

Beautiful Omani necklace with real coral beads, 14 small silver beads, 12 small glass beads and 7 old  indian coins ("Two Annas" dated: 1841, 1863, 1892, 1897, 1903,1912 &1915).

It is also called a purse. The cover has 5 gems. the number five has special significance in Islam, as they are five pillars of the faith. The item is only the cover the back of the boyx has been lost.

Small hirz box with 3 large glass beads and 3 dangles.

The pendant may have originally been used as a head dress ornament. It is decorated with some gold  gilded plates and 2 times 6 dangles with small hamsa amulets.

The central pendant is a Yemeni Yemen Imadi Riyal dated AH1322 ?? with a majestic bail. The eight pentagon shaped coins are Yemeni ⅛ Ahmadi Riyal minted in Sanaa, issued between 1954 - 1955. They are attached to silver elements from a Labba Makat necklace. The beads are an amber imitation in phenolic resin.

The five silver coins are of different arab origin. The strand is of white glass, an tubular silver beads.

Fine old Yemeni necklace with black and red glass beads.

Silver Yemeni necklace, with an amulet pendant, with filigree and granulated decoration. From the amulet pendant hang some small pendants and bells. The necklace also have some typical silver Yemeni beads.

Three-strand Yemeni necklace, with a rectangular granulated Badihi plaque, to which a hamsa hand nicely decorated with filigree work is attached. The three strands are made of genuine glass and silverl beads. The two triangular ending silver elements are also nicely granulated.  

Three-strand Yemeni necklace, Lazim, with a rectangular Badihi plaque, which is nicely worked with filigree and coral inlays. The three strands are made of genuine coral beads and silver cage, Tut, beads. The two triangular ending silver elements, Bawsaqni, are also nicely decorated.  The item is in its original state, the small coral bead missing on the central pendant can be replaced if desired.

The five silver coins are of different arab origin. The white beads are etheir glass or white gems (non identified)

Bedouin jewellery with 3 strands and later one strand of lovely silver beads and a central medallion. The medallion made have dangles attached in its original form.

Beautiful  Yemeni necklace  with real coral beads and 7 probably antiques, undifined small silver coins. The larger central coin is probably an iranian, Nasir al-Din Shah, see picture in annex, Such a coin was sold for 500 GBP (https://www.numisbids.com/n.php?p=lot&sid=795&lot=652)

Large triangular pendant from Yemen. Nice  granulated silver work. Bangels with ftwelve bangles and small bells 

These amulet necklaces are very common among Tamang women in Nepal. The flat middle section has no container function. The word "Jantar" means "protective". The boxes may containmedicines, sacred items and mantras supplied by a prtiest.

Triangular pendant from Yemen. It is mounted on a chain and can be worn as necklace like that or used in your own jewellerie design.