An unusual and beautiful pair of silver ‘Zanzibar anklets’, made of silver of the highest quality. Each has been produced in two parts with hinges and pin fastenings (the pins are present). The inner sides of the anklets are smooth. A special feature of this piece is that all outer surfaces of both anklets are richly decorated with blossom and leafy tendrils, as well as with geometric and smooth bands. This elaborate decoration is entirely openwork. They are a masterpiece.
It is likely they were produced by a silversmith from the oasis town of Nizwa – the old, former ‘jewellery centre’ in central Oman. However, they are known as ‘Zanzibar anklets’ because the island of Zanzibar off the East African coast was governed, from 1698 to 1861, by the Sultanate of Oman. It is therefore likely that the Europeans first discovered this, wholly Omani, style of jewellery on the island of Zanzibar. Both precious silver bangles are old, show good traces of use but no damage.
Height: each 8 cm (on the front), 4.5 cm (on the back); diameter: each 11 cm x 12 cm (on the outside); 6.5 cm x 7 cm (on the inside).
Weight: 900 grams.
Between the 19th and the early 20th centuries. (ME)

Provenance:
Viennese private collection.