Rare, Antique, 19th century, Central Asian Islamic Turkoman Tekke horse jewellery, silver-mounted leather, horse headpiece, bridle, The upper surface decorated with extremely well made, by Turkmen silversmith, of small continuous interlocking silver plaques riveted to the leather, enriched with four, silver mounted, large oval carnelians stones.

The headpiece is complete with its original, elaborate hand forged iron horse bit.

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 headpiece 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/databas...

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, in folded position: Overall length from the top of the head piece to the end of the reins; 160 cm (63in), overall length of the head piece from the top, to the end of the silver plaques on the bottom part; 77 cm (30 3/8 in). Height from the top of the plume holder to the bottom of the mail: 43 cm (17 inches).

CONDITION: In good condition considering its age, Leather is still flexible, showing the age and usage, one minor repair on the join of the leather strip with the ring, behind the lower right carnelian mounts, please see the picture.

WEIGHT: 1.300 Kg (45.8562 ounce)