Thankyou Santa!! Omani silver and Jambiya

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

It does,
hooks at each end and the centre.
Is it Arabian then?

Salaams Atlantia~ It looks like it is a silver and other metals mix(copper)...Probably Yemeni. The reason why they did this was not only because it was less expensive but because it formed a harder metal so it lasted well. Mixed metals were common in Yemen though often after 1948 since at that time many Yemeni Jewish peoples moved to Israel...including a large percentage of their silver craftsmen and today only a few are left. The quality took a hammering from that point..perhaps it has recovered somewhat by now.
The hooks operate like the other Arabian hooks in that they hook into the hair or into a head strap so that the entire necklace hangs under the chin framing the ladys face. As does the multi chain at Stuarts picture. Your stuff looks Yemeni but the ring is Omani and is the same as you say. Worn on each index finger with the point towards the finger nail direction... A prayer ring.
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Afternote~ I like the two pin shaped objects which are either for applying kohl to the eyes or used as buttons to secure the dress at the neck...
The big necklace is interesting though in the hidden meaning stakes you can chase this around all day... It reflects the use of the figure 3... 3 main discs and 3 strands ending in 3 rectangles (these represent the hand of Fatima daughter of the Prophet.) There are 3 strands at the ends of prayer beads in Arabia and it is said they prevent evil from climbing up.

Rings ~ We always have a big friendly arguement when we go to the remote villages over which ring is worn on which finger. I can only repeat what study has shown which is~ Six On each hand ~

1. thumb ring on the thumb
2. prayer ring on the index finger
3. Two rings on the middle finger one of which is a tower ring with a cage on it. It looks like a mini bird cage.
4. The next finger has a ring.
5. The pinkie finger has its own pinkie finger ring ...
If I get time I will illustrate the entire load.