• Handcrafted Antique Silver Amulet Box with Symbols and Markings, Circa 1850 – 1870 (Origin: Western India; Collected: Western India)
• Cobalt Blue Venetian Glass Beads used by the Maasai Tribe, Circa late 1800s (Origin: Venice; Collected: Tanzania)
• Blue Turquoise Rondelle Gemstones
• Handcrafted Sterling Silver Beads and Toggle Clasp
• Finished with Silver French Bullion
• Length: 16”

N0908-135: $225.00 (free S&H)

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AMULET BOX: An amulet box is essentially a portable shrine, case or locket which may hold a charm, lock of hair, relic, prayer or other items of devotion. An amulet can also be a lucky piece of jewelry or ordinary object that supposedly protects its wearer against evil, injury, disease, bad luck or negative forces. Amulets date back to early man and are very common to several religions. The idea that a part of something or an object resembling something else can influence the course of events is deeply ingrained in many societies. This particular Amulet is from India and can be opened, although with great care due to its age and wear.

MAASAI TRIBAL BEADS: The Maasai Tribe lives in the African country of Kenya. As a proud Kenyan tribe, their clothing and artwork are necessities for survival and are integral to their identity as Maasai. The jewelry of the Maasai Tribe is always made by the women, as this is one of their many jobs. The men are responsible for raising cattle from which the leather for jewelry is made. The cattle are also used as currency in purchasing beads. Beads were not commonly used in jewelry until the 1900s, although they were introduced to the Tribe in the 1800s by the Arabs and East Indians. Prior to using glass beads, they used seeds and copper and brass wire. The detail and colors of the beads used must follow the strict rules of the Tribe. The beads are classified as primary (white, red, green, blue or orange) or secondary colors (yellow and black). Women are allowed to use orange beads for yellow ones if they run out of orange beads and substitute black for blue, if needed. However, placing a primary color next to a secondary color is less acceptable and the woman is embarrassed if her jewelry reflects this mistake without approval of the Tribe.