Antique Russian Islamic Turcoman Tekke Silver Mounted Turkmen Horse Neckband
Rare, antique, 19th century, Central Asian Islamic Turkoman Tekke horse jewellery, silver-mounted leather, horse trapping Neckband. The upper surface decorated and constructed of 6 rows of small continuous interlocking silver plaques riveted to the leather, enclosed by silver bars at the ends. The central Shaped shield enriched with large oval carnelians stone, extremely well made by Turkmen silversmith.
This Type of horse jewelry was very expensive and exclusively affordable only for upper class (Nobility) of Turkmen people. Due to the richness and beauty of the jewelry it was also used by the aristocracy of other Islamic countries, as a symbol of wealth and high rank. A similar Turcoman Tekke Neckband is in the Powerhouse Museum Collection, Sidney Australia, which belongs to the Afghani King's elite cavalry. Please see the link below.
http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/collection/database/?irn=122355
References: For similar headpiece, bridles please see. The Arts and Crafts of Turkestan, by Johannes Kalter. Page: 14, 15, 45.
The buyer will be provided with a copy of the pages from the mentioned references, together with a certificate of authenticity.
Link to Turkmen bridles:
http://www.akhal-teke.org/traditional-tack.html
MEASUREMENTS: Overall length: 65 cm (25 5/8 in). Dimension of the central shield: 9 cm x 5.5 cm (3 1/2 in x 2 1/8 in).Width of the belt: 6.3 cm (1 1/2 in).
CONDITION: In good condition considering its age, Leather is still flexible, showing the age and usage.
WEIGHT: 440 grams (15.52054 Ounces).