Yemen Bedouin Hirz Amulet Prayer Cylinder Necklace

Antique handcrafted silver metal beaded necklace from Yemen. It features a large cylinder shaped prayer box pendant or hirz amulet. This ethnic silver prayer pendant specimen is in great condition and has lovely chain work suspending dangles which make a great jingle sound when they bump together. The handcrafted beads have traditional granulation and rope decorations. Amulet does not appear to open. I have tried. In Yemen for centuries most of the tribally worn silver jewelry was made by Jewish metalsmiths living in the country. These very talented silversmiths used a combination of geometric shapes, filigree work and granulation techniques to create a wide variety of amulets, bracelets, necklaces, chokers and rings. Very often they recycled silver coins and silver jewelry by melting them down to acquire the silver they worked with, so the silver content is unknown. The beads and prayer box have a dark untouched patina from years of wear. Often included as part of a brides dowery or a talisman.