Lebanon, Kinship Stories, Antique Bedouin Eye

Around 41 cms

Name: Antique Bedouin Eye

Collection: Celebrating Art and Supporting Artisanship

Cultures: Turkey, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Egypt, Yemen, Turkmenistan

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 traditional, artisanal fabric from Anatolia, Turkey, using a traditional Turkish technique.

The yellow, beaded string attached to the base is a vintage Kuchi piece from Afghanistan. It is typical of this tribe, which still roams Afghanistan and is well known for its beautiful textiles and metal work.

The crochet flower is a Turkish oya, or a handmade lace flower from the region of Anatolia. Anatolian women are well-known for their beautiful oyas, often adorning the rims of scarves and clothes in the country.

The tassels are Uzbek and Turkoman. They are around 60-80 years old and they once adorned the borders of someone’s tapestry.

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

The Yemeni metal bead is around 60 to 80 years old and it comes 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 centerpiece is a rare, museum-quality Bedouin amulet from Egypt. Made with 800 silver, it features an agate center which refers to –and protects from– the evil eye.

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.