This amulet shows a chevron design in the lines of granulated silver. The bell-like beads hanging from the bottom of the pendant show their age, but are secure. The signature is one of the very clearest I have seen on a piece this age. This particular piece probably served its wearer as decoration of a wide cloth collar or yoke to which much of the silver pieces are sewn. This practice preserves both the silver and the wearer's neck.

The source of the silver was not the mines of Yemen, but European coins. The silver coins, usually Maria Theresa thalers, were spent in Yemen by the merchant mariners who bought coffee, spices and other raw materials in Yemen and used the coin of much of the European realm at the time: the Maria Theresa thaler.


More information at Crafts of the Past.