Lebanon, Kinship Stories, Afghan Applique

Around 34 cms

Name: Afghan Applique

Collection: Celebrating Art and Supporting Artisanship

Cultures: Nepal, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Egypt

This handmade tribal art necklace comprises a variety of cultures and carries, between its beads & threads, historical evidence of a world on the verge of extinction.

The base of this necklace is made with a spectacular, handmade interlaced chain from Nepal. Made with sterling silver, the chain comes as evidence of exquisite craftsmanship. Nepal’s silversmithing tradition indeed goes a long way. 

The fabric centerpiece was originally part of a vintage Afghan hat, designed for boys. It must be around 40-60 years old. Handmade using a variety of fabrics, it is known as an applique and consists of sewing layers of colored textiles by hand to create a given motif. The centerpiece hangs to the silver chain through a turquoise bead, and comes adorned with handmade tassels from Egypt.

Around the tassels are Bedouin silver beads from Yemen. Around 60 to 80 years old, they come from a larger bridal necklace. Today, these beads are increasingly rare to find, as they belong to a world that disappeared with the latest wars in the region.

The triangular glass bead is from Afghanistan. Triangles are used, across cultures, as protective devices. Made with colored glass, these beads sometimes carry the names of prophets of Islam or one of God's ninety-nine names as spelled out in the Quran. 

The triangular fabric piece, on the other hand, is a vintage hand-embroidered amulet from Afghanistan. Such pieces of textiles have historically been sewn to clothing or attached at home doors, and have hid, within them, a variety of protective prayers. Under the amulet is a “yak” button. Handmade in Nepal, the button is made with the horn of these bulls of the Himalayas.

The tassel on the left is Uzbek. It is around 60-80 years old and once adorned the hair of a woman, worn around the braids. 

In a world of technology, globalization, and consumerism, this necklace stands as a call for authenticity, uniqueness, distinction and culture. This necklace is for you, the woman who can communicate the kinship stories, our ancestor’s stories, but also the woman who appreciates beauty and cherishes her originality. It is entirely handmade and is a one-of-a-kind piece, just like you.