These large ornamental discs made of silver were worn on the head of Bedouin women in Libya for their wedding. They are either attached at the side in plaits, sewn onto wool scarves worn in the style of a turban or sewn onto leather bands that hang over the back of the woman’s head. These large disc-shaped headdresses had different names from tribe to tribe and across the region: ‘Salha’, ‘Sualah’, ‘Turraha’, ‘Zerad’ etc. The present ‘Salha disc’, as it was known in the area of the city of Tripoli, is cast from high quality silver and is elaborately decorated on its visible outer side. Its outer edge is scored into small arcs, followed by surrounding engraved bands towards the inside. In the centre, around a circular, engraved and punched flower, a large, six-point star can be identified (the ‘Seal of Solomon’). The six areas between the points of the star are crafted with openwork grids. Furthermore this ‘Salha’ displays on its outer edge four small holes, in order for it to be sewn onto a wool scarf or a leather band. The reverse side of the disc-shaped headdress is smooth and displays two hallmarks belonging to a silversmith from the city of Tripoli (a boat inside a crest, with a crown and laurel branches). An extremely rare ornament, with traces of use but no damage.
Diameter: 14 cm.
First half of the 20th century or earlier. (ME)

Provenance:
German private collection.

Lit.:
‘Libyan Jewellery’ by Elena Schenone Alberini, ill. on the book cover, also p. 19, 24, 25, 44, 45, 77, 83, 89, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97 and p. 13 (hallmarks of Libyan silversmiths).