Ethnic Design Collection Reto Zehnder

Old Punjabi Pakistani wedding chair hand-crafted of wood. The Chair is hand-painted in vibrant reds. Decorative painted spindles adorn the backrest and under panels of the arms. There is some minor fading of paint colour on legs and armrests and slight paint loss commensurate with age and use. 

This large dowry chest from 19th century from Nuristan (Afghanistan) is made of cedarwood. It is a unique piece of craftsmanship and Nuristan. The front panel can be opened, permitting a much more comfortable use than the access by the cover panel. Kafiristan, its name before Islamization, is a historical region that covered present-day Nuristan Province located on the southern slopes of the Hindu Kush Mountains in the northeastern part of Afghanistan. Nuristan was full of steep and wooded valleys. It was famous for its precise wood carvings, especially of cedar-wood pillars, carved doors, furniture such as dowry chests

A lovely original tea/coffee table from Punjab (Pakistan). A hand made probably walnut wood table, with some faded paint and finished with wax.

A traditional cuboard from a Mongolian ger (Yourte)

A lovely original tea/coffee table from Punjab (Pakistan). A hand made probably walnut wood table, with some faded paint and finished with wax.

An easy to wear Indian bracelet.

Beautiful Tibetan Beaded Collar Breastplate, decorated with dark red glass beads, cowry shells and a central element with fragments of semi-precious stones. 

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.

This type of spiral reproduces an ancient shape of Greece culture

Nice clourfull Kuchi earring from Afghanistan.

Different tribes of Laos, Burma and China wear these torqued bracelets, which ends are lashed.

Five pair of aluminium earrings from Laos. Can be purchased individually.

A lovely beaded hat from Central Asia. Probably Kuchi or Turkmen from Afghanistan. The glass seed beads are sewn on to fabric in a circular manner. Metal decoration and metal and cotton dangles decorate the circumference. One glass cabochon is missing, see picture

A lovely beaded hat from Central Asia. Probably Kuchi or Turkmen from Afghanistan. Glass beads, metal coins and dangles a decorate the circumference.

A large “tilhari” wedding necklace that used to be fashionable among most Middle Hill groups, especially the Tamang, Gurung, and Kiranti. Currently, Nepali women from these ethnic groups wear a smaller version in gold, if they can afford it. The "tilhari" is a primary emblem of married women. The wearing of this necklace symbolizes the wish for a long life of the husband.

The term Naga people refers to a conglomeration of several tribes inhabiting the North Eastern part of India and north-western Burma.

The term Naga people refers to a conglomeration of several tribes inhabiting the North Eastern part of India and north-western Burma.

An amazing necklace with shells.

This unique necklace is probable from one of the multiple tribes in Nagaland. Any further information for this amazing piece of traditional jewellery is welcomed.

Necklace from North Luzon with teeth and 2 boar's truck on each end. A fine example of an important article of Bontoc male tribal adornment. The binoboaya is associated with headhunting rites. It was worn by males denoting headhunter status. Aside from decorative value, the tusks were also believed to contain talismanic powers and empowered the wearer with the strength, speed, endurance and ferocity of the wild boar. 

 A fine example of an important article of Bontoc male tribal adornment, This is an excellent example of old Bontoc handiwork. The boaya was associated with headhunting rites, ceremonies and dances. It was worn by Bontoc males only and probably denoted headhunter status. 

A small antique Tibetan Gau Amulet Box, traditional among all Buddhist groups of Tibet, while the oval domed front is of silver, engraved Tibetan motifs and the back section is made of copper. The red centrepiece has a carnelian?? bead. The box is in perfect condition and still closed, and it hasn't been opened, so we dont know its content.

Beautiful Tibetan beaded collar, decorated with dark red glass beads, and metals dangles .

A necklace with small tubular red and large white glass beads.

Precice origin not known.