About this work
Gilt-silver necklace from the Ethiopian city of Harar, where it was worn only by Muslim women as part of the bridal trousseau.
Original catalogue wording
Gilt-silver necklace from the Ethiopian city of Harar, where it was worn only by Muslim women as part of the bridal trousseau. The spherical silver beads of this muriya necklace resemble Muslim prayer necklaces, while its warm yellow Baltic amber or Zanzibari copal beads conveyed the wearer's married status and her access to imported goods. Ornate filigree jewelry of this kind was made by specialized silversmiths trained through long apprenticeships.
Source classification: gilt-silver bead necklace
- Date
- late 1800s or early 1900s
- Object type
- Jewellery & adornment
- Recorded place
- Africa, East Africa, probably Harar, Ethiopia, unknown silversmith
- Holding institution
- The Cleveland Museum of Art
- Accession
- 2025.155