Incredible Jewelry of South Central Asia

It's been a couple of months since my last post! I thought it was time to show you something a little more specific. Jewelry! 

Living in Islamabad in the mid to late 1990s it was possible to find jewelry from the various regions in South Central Asia. There were small shops and outdoor markets where you could find silver or "German silver" pieces. I'm not sure what would even be available if you were to travel there today. 

These are a sampling of what is in the collection.

Large Ornate Tribal Necklace

Hand tooled silver and glass embellishment

possibly Sindh or ... Northern Aghanistan

circa...early 20th Century

Below is a detail of piece necklace above. It is large and quite heavy to wear! Beautiful for a photo shoot but I think you'd have to spend some time with your chiropractor. 

This next silver ornament could have been worn several different ways. It might have hung from a woman's hair, hat or clothing.

Kuchi Ornament

"German Silver" and colored glass

Kuchi Tribes of Northern Pakistan and Afghanistan

first have 20th Century

Large Ornamental Earrings

Hand tooled "German Silver"

Afghan

These are not as rare but still beautiful examples of Turkomen bracelet cuffs.

Pair of  Turkomen Bracelets

Silver and 

Turkomen 

Mid 20th Century

Kuchi Necklace and Earrings

German silver and colored glass

Kuchi Tribe of Pakistan/Afghanistan

Many of these pieces cross borders and the age is unknown. You see this with many pieces from tribal areas.

Embellished Silver Hoop Earrings

Tooled silver

Afghanistan

Mid 20th Century (probable)

Collection of Silver and German Silver Pendants

German Silver with red glass

Afghan

The long narrow piece, in the photo above, is made to hold a small Koran. 

This next pendant is an older piece. It is quite intricate and very beautiful. 

Refined Silver Pendant

Hand tooled silver with carnelian inset

Turkmen

First half of 20th century

Ornamental Bracelet with Rings

Hand tooled silver with gold wash, set with carnelian 

Turkmen

Mid 20th Century

I hope you've enjoyed this selection of jewelry from the collection. There is more to come!

Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

As I mentioned in my previous post, Journey of Traditions is my new book of short stories. It was created, along with my paintings and illustrations, to accompany a future exhibition of artifacts from South Central Asia.

My story Maleeha's Dream is about a girl from eastern Afghanistan.  She is rescued by a family of Nomads, including Bashir and his grandfather (pictured below.) 

Within my illustrations you see artifacts from the collection. Below you see the gold ceremonial hat Bashir wears in the painting.

In the story, Bashir and his family set up camp at dusk.  

An Afghan Rubaab is a stringed instrument used often used by traveling musicians. It also features in the story.

The following are just a sampling of the articles from the exhibition collection. 

A camel seat made of Sheesham wood and inlaid brass.

Below, a hand stitched Ralli camel cover from Pakistan. The blue and red fabrics are intricately appliqued onto the white background!

Afghan ceremonial hat covered with hand strung beads and tassels formed over the cap.

Women's Afghan sleeve cuffs embroidered with gold wrapped thread.

Hand tooled copper milk bucket from Afghanistan

Womens Kuchi nomad dress.  (Cotton, silk and embroidery)

Koran cover or purse and pillow cover
(Embroidered silk thread on cotton)

Afghan child's dress front. Silver wrapped thread embroidery on cotton with hand beading.

(detail)

If you are interested in my fully color illustrated book of short stories go to my store "kikistrunk" on Etsy!

Click here!

Thanks for visiting and checking out my new blog!

More to come!

My new book "Journey of Traditions!"

I am so excited to introduce my new book, Journey of Traditions! It was a labor or love and it has finally arrived from the printer!

Living in Pakistan for 3 years in the late 90s gave my husband and me an opportunity to begin learning about the people of South Central Asia. It also enabled us to collect a large number of artifacts from the region.

"Journey of Traditions" is an exhibition in the making with a companion book of short stories. Little is known, in the west, about the way of life in the various tribal areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The stories in the book intertwine with the artifacts and help bring alive and give voice to the people of the region.

Click Here for my Etsy site and to buy my new book!
Stay tuned.  More to come!