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Beads

19th–early 20th century
Not on view
Turquoise and gold beads of this shape are well known from the central region of Saudi Arabia. Typically, they were included in necklaces worn by Bedouin women, wherein they alternated with chunky beads of red coral and turquoise. Medieval accounts reveal that turquoise was believed to protect the wearer from the evil eye. In the Arabian Gulf, the gemstone has been sourced in the region of Mecca as well as further south in Yemen.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Beads
  • Date: 19th–early 20th century
  • Geography: Attributed to Saudi Arabia
  • Medium: Gold, fabricated from sheet, wire, and swaged wire, decorated with granulation, set with turquoise
  • Dimensions: Max H. 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm)
    Max diam. 13/16 in. (2 cm)
  • Classification: Jewelry
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Mobil Foundation Inc. Gift, 1980
  • Object Number: 1980.306a–f
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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Girdle Clasp, Silver sheet; gilt, repoussé, patterned wire, and granulation; inlaid with silicae, coral and turquoise beads filigreed, granulation
Girdle Clasp
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Head Ornament, Gold, turquoise, garnets, and pearls
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Armband with Rings, One of a Pair, Silver, fire-gilded and chased, with silver shot, wire chains, turquoise beads, and table-cut and cabochon carnelians
Armband with Rings, One of a Pair
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Guenbri, Gourd, wood, parchment decorated with floral designs, Saudi Arabian
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