Ethiopian Medicine Man Necklace Surfboards Skunks Africa 68 Inch
AvailabilityIn stock
SKU
137976
$450.00
US Shipping
$13.98
| Title | Ethiopian Medicine Man Necklace Surfboards Skunks Africa 68 Inch |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Skunks, Russian blues, Padres, Feathers, Camel bone, Ethiopian Surfboards, Vaseline, Red Feather |
| Materials | unknown metal content, glass, camel bone |
| Made In | Ethiopia |
| Traded In | Africa |
| Approximate Age | 20th century telsum and beads |
| Overall Condition | Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners. Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use. We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings. Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage. |
| Damage/Repair | Large pits, cracks, scratches on surfboards, dirt, one broken in half red feather bead that is being used as two beads. |
| Object Size | 8-15 mm diameter |
| Necklace Length | 68 inches |
| Pendant Size | 5 inches . See picture with penny for size comparison (US penny is 19mm diameter). |
| Brand | Unbranded |
| Style | Beaded |
| Type | Necklace |
Stunning Ethiopian Medicine Man necklace!
Additional information: Ethiopia is home to one of the oldest continuous Christian traditions in the world, and Ethiopian silversmiths produce religious jewelry as an expression of that tradition. Star of David pendants are worn around the neck and emphasize the relationship of Christian Ethiopians to Israel, King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.
Additional Information:Triangular or crescent-shaped prayer boxes, called telsum are worn for their protective properties. The triangular specimens in particular are believed to fend off evil spirits and the “evil eye,” whereas crescent-shaped amuletic boxes are worn as a protection against the spells of the crescent moon. Square, rectangular and irregularly shaped pendants are also manufactured serving similar purposes. Some of these telsum are elaborately decorated and feature granulated designs created with melted silver. Often they are gold washed or gilded. Telsum prayer boxes are traditionally worn as necklaces, strung on purple yarn or strips of cloth. Older specimens were made from silver derived from the Maria Theresa thaler; modern versions are typically made from an amalgam of nickel and alloy.
Recommended Reading: See African Beads: Jewels of a Continent by Evelyn Simak with Carl Dreibelbis, available at Africa Direct.
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