Harari Necklace

A necklace of graduated amber beads with silver spacers, terminating in a rigid crescent-form pendant. The crescent is a curved silver plate worked with applied lozenges, granulation and fine wirework, centred on a band of raised floral bosses. Each shoulder ends in a domed finial. Clusters of small globular bells hang along the lower edge, and a pointed central pendant, also hung with bells, descends from the midpoint. Short strands of small striped beads link the amber to the crescent. The silver carries an even, worn patina, with light green deposits in the recesses. The amber beads range in colour from honey to deep orange.

Jewellery from Harar brings bead and worked silver together in a set composition. Here, strand, plate and suspended elements form a single worn piece.

From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Ethiopia, 1982.

Title

Harari Necklace

Origin

Ethiopia

Date

19th–20th century

Dimensions

H 60 cm (23.6 in) · W 30 cm (11.8 in)

Medium

Silver and amber

Provenance

From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Ethiopia, 1982.

Condition

Silver stable, with light green deposits in the recesses. Surface worn; patina consistent and undisturbed.