BRAID ORNAMENT - ASYK

Gilt and engraved silver, cornelians.
Turkmenistan, second half of the 19th - early 20th cent.
Turkmenistan's jewellery with its geometrical shapes, decorated with cornelians, is considered as the most beautiful jewels of Central Asia. Many heavy ornaments were used by women in their braids, among others, the heart shaped, 20 cm high asyk being put on woman's back.

MAP 5351, acquired in 1979.