Ethnic Design Collection Reto Zehnder

This long hanging pectoral pendant was acquired in Eritrea in 1991. Rashaïda and Nubian women were these pectoral hangings. It comprises flat, engraved silver plates, and numerous dangles. There is a small loop at the top to allow suspension.

Similar to 01.03.1892 origin from Siwa oasis in Egypt. Following th place this pair was collecte shows that identical cuffs are also worn by women of the Nubian and Rashaida tribes of the era.

Hoek, C., et al, Ethnic Jewellery: From Africa, Asia and Pacific Islands, Pepin Press, 2004.; Nadler, D. & S., Silver: From Fetish to Fashion, PDN Publishing, 2005. and van Roode, S., Desert Silver: Understanding Traditional Jewellery from the Middle East and North Africa, BLKVLD, 2017.

Silver-plated and alloy metals

Incredible Ethiopian amulet necklace. Collected in 1980 in Ethiopia I was told that such necklace was worn by some hermit priests. This special rich necklace contains  among others: Two Sidamo camel bone pendants; one Arsi/Oromo  power amulet pendant created with la ion claw and in a silver frame; Two silver ear spoons; three cylindrical amulet boxes; 2 large Cypraeas  shells; a large and heavy (iron)  Coptic cross  various beads and rings.

Wooden amulet necklace with two large warthog tusks. An 8 pronged aluminium ring from Sidamo; two brass medallions; one silver bead; etc complete this necklace.

Old Ethiopian Kitab leather amulet necklace containing Coptic scrolls. Ethiopian manuscripts and prayers. They are used by the Oromo's to ward off evil spirits and bring the wearer good luck and fortune. Bought in Ethiopia in the 1980ties. The necklace is made out of: 8 prayer rolls; 3 leather amulet containers, 1 leather container containing " a book" (see picture), 1 small horn (goat or sheep??) and 2 spoons carved out of a horn. A unique piece in its original, but perfect, condition with beautiful patina on all parts.

Another incredible Ethiopian amulet necklace. Collected in 1980 in Ethiopia. This special necklace contains mostly silver beads, rings, and tubes. A friend of mine was wearing this necklace on special occasions with a lot of success.

Another incredible Ethiopian amulet necklace. Collected in 1980 in Ethiopia I was told that such necklace was worn by some hermit priests. This special rich necklace contains among others: Three Coptic crosses; one Arsi/Oromo power amulet pendant created with la ion claw and in a silver frame; two silver ear spoons; one cylindrical amulet boxe; various beads and rings.

Another interesting prayer necklace, mainly with wooden beads and objects. The necklace contains a very nice leather bible roll. Very funny is to find a wooden cup and spoon on a necklace. Two old copper medallion, a copper bell and wild pig teeth complete the necklace.

The Maria Theresa Thaler is one of the most circulated currencies the world has ever known. Maria Theresa ruled over the Habsburg Empire in the eighteenth century for forty years. Her matronly portrait graces the coin, along with her abbreviated Latin titles. The reverse depicts the double-headed eagle of the Holy Roman Empire.

Silver perforated plate, with two buckles at each end. Origin incvertain, North Africa or Ethiopia.

 One ridged cylindrical and one triangular earspoon ear spoon from Ethiopia, often worn by priests in a trio with a ring and a cross. The set is then called mateb.

Aluminium disc finely engraved, in the center is set a brass round .

Aluminium disc finely engraved, in the center is set a brass round, Cllected around Awassa the duisclk could be Borana or Arsi.

A nice large orthodox cross from Ethiopia

An Ethiopian pendant made of lion's claws and set in lovely silverwork. They act as a protective pendant in Ethiopia. You find similar pendants on priest's necklace 02.04.1354.

Silver crescent wedding necklaces such as this were traditionally worn long ago, and are associated with the rural areas around Harar, Somalia and Yemen. In fair condition, some bells may have been lost and replaced (see pict.)

Independant bar, part of Ethiopian or Yemeni jewellery, excellent element to create a new jewelry design.

Ancient tooth pendant from southern Ethiopia mounted in excellent silver work

The tear-shaped pendants are most probably from the Sidamo region of Ethiopia. Interesting collectables or to be integrated into your own jewellery design.

This massive brass ring is may be used as a pendant rather than as fingering. Origin uncertain could be Siamo (Ethiopia).

This a rare and large  Ring from the Sidamo Tribal area of Southern Ethiopia. This ring was worn by male members of the tribe, either as a ring or used as a pendant. 

This is a rare and old  Ring from the Sidamo Tribal area of Southern Ethiopia. This ring was worn by male members of the tribe, either as a ring or used as a pendant. The very old ring is made of copper, a real collector's item.

This is an old  Ring from the Sidamo Tribal area of Southern Ethiopia. This ring was worn by male members of the tribe, either as a ring or used as a pendant.

This is a rare and old  Ring from the Sidamo Tribal area of Southern Ethiopia. This ring was worn by male members of the tribe, either as a ring or used as a pendant. The ring is of a very rough manufacture, due to its prolonged use it had to be repaired with a thread from cuivre.

Nice necklace  in perfect condition, easy to be worn as such or used for your design in jewelry making.

Origin Southern Ethiopia, collected in the 1980 ties. Probably of one of the Sidamo ethnic groups. The pectoral plate is a heavy massive brass plate.

Rare torque with long strands of copper and blue and white glass beads. Origin Southern Ethiopia ethnic group, exact origin not defined.

Collected on the Southern Ethiopian border this necklace could not be identified. The glass rings resemble to those found in West Africa. we would appreciate any information concerning this necklace.