Turkoman (Turkman) Artistry – Afghanistan
Here we have a collection of three polished silver (white metal) beads with circular and triangle frames which are wrapped around turquoise and jasper coloured enamel inlay (to resemble gemstones) – and are distinctly middle eastern.
Tribal and ethnic in every sense, these handmade beads have been crafted by the nomadic Turkoman people – an ethnic group native to Central Asia and living mainly in Turkmenistan and the northeastern regions of Afghanistan and Iran.
And there’s no question they can be used to create amazing ethnic-inspired statement jewellery items such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets or an anklet.
They are hollow, lightweight and crude in texture - made in the Turkoman style. The beads are often used as currency when trading for goods.
In this collection, the three beads weigh in at about 40 grams - have been discounted and now cost $4.50 each.
All our ethnic Turkoman beads contain a decent 3-4mm top-drill hole which is suitable for threading with round leather, Tigertail or Craftline (similar to fishing line).
The accompanying photos illustrate what to expect in your order. But please be mindful that from time to time there may be some minor variations depending on availability.
Please also bear in mind many of these beads are not new, nor have they been mass produced. They are individually hand-made and contain age-worn imperfections.