19th C. Central Asia Islamic Silver Prayer Box Necklace

Central Asia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan, Islamic, ca. 19th century CE. A beautiful 75% silver prayer box known as a taweez or ta'wiz, suspended from a chain as a pendant with glass beads. The lower edge of the box contains 7 spherical bells that emit pleasant tinkling as they dangle from triangular repose knobs. The box faces have black pigments painted in the negative space to create a silver foliate pattern. Both end caps of the cylinder are removable. The integral loops connect the simple chain link and are strung with 4 green and yellow glass beads that add a nice pop of color to the silvery tones. In Islamic cultures, prayer boxes were used as protective charms that contain paper prayers sealed inside. A statement piece that is wearable and slips over the wearer's head; there is no clasp so note the measurements! Size of vessel: 4.75" L x 1.75" W (12.1 cm x 4.4 cm); chain length: 22" L (27.9 cm); quality of silver: 75%; weight: 54.9 grams

Provenance: ex-private California, USA collection, imported into the US before 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#167264
Condition Report: Wearable as shown. Bending and indentations to box and bells. Toning and areas of dark patina. Surface wear and scratches as expected with age and use. Lids are removable, and the hinge on one is missing. Pin hole perforations along seams on box and bells.