A beautiful ‘Cheikel’ from Turcoman nomads belonging to the tribe of the Teke from the Achal or Merv oases. A ‘cheikel’ is a leather bag with a partly gilded silver front plate, studded with 5 table-cut carnelians. This envelope shaped bag is attached to a leather strap, decorated with circular silver discs (49 and 36). The ‘cheikel’ was worn by the grand mothers of the clan, across their shoulders (this is why there is a longer part and a shorter part), and contained protective amulets (a piece of paper with talismanic numbers, or with Muslim prayers, or a piece of cloth, a lock of hair, or small valuables).
Well preserved, no losses, and a gloomy patina. The straps have been re-attached to the bag. 19th century. Length 45 cm; front plate 11 x 13.2 cm. Strap width 3.3 cm. Weight 242 g.
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