A magnificent men’s ceremonial belt from the Caucasus. Made of 37 interlocking parts cast in highest grade sliver. Each individual part is furnished with two hallmarks on its smooth back. All the small parts are attached to a leather band preserving thereby the flexibility of the heavy silver girdle. All 37 segments have been individually cast in silver and engraved, and each bears alternating soldered semi-spheres and fluted tips, Niello decorations (sulphur bond) and fire-gilded silver filaments. All segments have a tender raised leaf-side, on the upper rim of which arranged in dense rows are double volutes and tiny silver spheres. The lower edge has wave-bands inlaid with black Niello. The belt’s buckle shapes into a hemisphere with an all-round decorative strip above a wider strip with floral tendrils. Centrally, the bigger hemisphere supports a smaller one decorated with floral tendrils and finishing in a small, smooth, rounded horn on top. All cast in silver, partly gilded, embellished with Niello. The buckle has a double hook-and-eyelet closure. The buckle’s flat counterpart piece (with the eyelets) has been cast in a semi-circular shape bearing two raised stylised lions to the left and right of a floral motif (representing the tree of life). This, too, has Niello decorations and bears visible traces of gilding in the background. This belt is an object of value, in the best possible condition, no damage whatsoever. A masterpiece of silversmith art from the Caucasus. L: c. 70 cm. W: 4.5 cm to 6.5 cm. Weight: 730 g. 19th century. (ME)