Photo © Israel Museum, Jerusalem, by Oded Löbl |
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Shkhab necklace
Djerba, Tunisia Early 20th century Molded herbs, brass, enameled gilt silver, and glass L: 85 cm The Zeyde Schulmann Collection in the Israel Museum Accession number: B63.10.2646 |
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The dark beads were made by unmarried girls from a mixture of gray amber powder, which was more precious than gold, with nutmeg, saffron, cloves, rose petals and perfumed water. The necklace gives off a lasting fragrance when in contact with the body. Its purpose is to attract one's husband and to repel bad spirits. Publications: Ben Ami, Alia, ed., In All Their Finery: Jewels from the Jewish World, The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, 2002 Exhibition: In All Their Finery: Jewels from the Jewish World, 31/12/2000 - 12/01/2001 Digital presentation of this object was made possible by: The Ridgefield Foundation, New York, in memory of Henry J. and Erna D. Leir |
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