Lebanon, Kinship Stories, Rabari Hunt

Around 35 cms

Name: Rabari Hunt 

Collection: Celebrating Art and Supporting Artisanship

Cultures: Turkey, India, Uzbekistan, Yemen, the Levant

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 fabric centerpiece was originally part of a vintage blouse from Gujurat. It must be around 30-50 years old. Handmade by Rabari women, well known for their superior and colorful embroidery, the blouse carried this animal symbol as a protective device against desert beasts. Embroidery also reinforced the fabric base, preventing it from tearing under pressure. The mirror on top is known as a shisha. Because they shine and reflect the light, mirrors are believed to protect from the evil eye.

The tassels are Uzbek. They are around 60-80 years old and they once adorned the borders of someone’s tapestry. The longer tassels were once attached to the braids of an Afghani woman, mostly as decoration but also to show off her riches.

The cowry shells come from the Indian Ocean. Because of their shapes, cowry shells are believed to protect from the evil eye and to promote fertility. It is no wonder that they are therefore planted on scarves, clothes, home accessories, animal wear, etc.

The Yemeni bead is around 60 to 80 years old and it comes from a larger bridal necklace. Today, these beads –especially in this size– are increasingly rare to find, as they belong to a world that disappeared with the latest wars in the region.

The coin is antique Ottoman. It was once attached to the scarf of a Bedouin woman, somewhere in the Levant, around 150 years ago.  Women from the region always preferred to carry their riches on their bodies –both to show off, protect their money and preserve their independence.

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.