Antique Tribal Pendant Turkoman or Berber Style Jewelry North African Amulet

Description: Free 2-Day FedEx Air Shipping – International Available Vintage Tribal Pendant – Turkoman or Berber Style Amulet This antique triangular pendant is beautiful and unrestored. While many similar designs are identified as Turkoman, this pendant reflects motifs that are also found in Berber and North African tribal jewelry. It could be either from Northern Africa or a tribal region between there and Turkoman. The pendant is decorated with stylized charms resembling fertility idols or abstracts of animals like mice or fish, recurring symbols in tribal adornments, often believed to offer protection or prosperity. It features red and blue cabochon stones, hand-etched detailing, and braided chain attachments with charms. The back reveals wear consistent with age, with faint markings present near the charms—similar to those frequently seen on North African or Central Asian tribal artifacts. ConditionThe pendant has a lovely patina and visible signs of age suggesting an antique high-copper alloy rather than solid silver. Many people attempt to polish up pieces like this and sell them on Etsy which is all fine and good, but similar pieces have been made by hand over the years to mimic the aesthetic. This piece has high oxidization which dates it to be likely an authentic antique. The construction is either silver plated copper with brass or just a more copper rich silver construction. Full silver pieces are more common in North Eastern Turkoman regions. There is one chain that has a broken cord but the charms are all still intact. The back side of the piece has a good bit of writing on it and sticker residue. There are no makers marks or indications specifically of the metal and I haven't tested it. It's not sterling, this is hand made tribal jewelry and it shows age and wear just like the photos. I'll get a tape measure on it as soon as I get back to shop, but I think it's about 7" overall, very similar to other pieces seen on Etsy/Ebay. Historical Snippets The Turkoman people, known for their rich artistic heritage and nomadic lifestyle, were a prominent Turkic tribal group spanning regions of modern-day Turkmenistan, northeastern Iran, Afghanistan, and parts of Central Asia. While not a formal state, their cultural identity transcended borders, with elaborate jewelry, textiles, and metalwork reflecting centuries of craftsmanship and symbolism. Much like the Berber and Tuareg tribes of North Africa, the Turkoman relied heavily on tribal networks and artisanal trades to express identity, wealth, and social status.In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, both the Turkoman and North African tribes faced pressures from expanding empires yet maintained distinctive traditions. Their jewelry often incorporated protective motifs, fertility symbols, and vibrant stones like carnelian and turquoise. The craftsmanship of Turkoman pendants, cuffs, and amulets mirrors the ornate silverwork and talismanic designs seen in Berber adornments, showcasing a shared emphasis on spiritual protection and heritage in the face of shifting political landscapes. Berber artisans from North Africa often favored blue or green stones in their jewelry, reflecting the importance of natural elements and spiritual symbolism. Fulfillment This pendant will be shipped via FedEx 2-Day Air and carefully packed to ensure safe arrival. International shipping is available through eBay’s Global Shipping Program. I typically ship within 1 business day of purchase. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, corrections, or supporting information, we appreciate your knowledge!

Price: 149 USD

Location: Golden, Colorado

End Time: 2025-01-31T21:39:24.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD