Old Tribal Yomud Turkmen silver dome pendant with tassel chains – ethnic amulet

Large Yomud/Tekke amulet pendant in solid silver with an inverted-dome shape, engraved and repoussé with floral and geometric motifs, partially fire‑gilded. The base supports 16 fine chains ending in pointed drop pendants. The piece exhibits a uniform antique patina and reflects late 19th–early 20th century Central Asian (Turkmenistan) craftsmanship. Originally integrated into bridal headgear.
Ethnographically, these “asyk” or “gupbo” amulets feature in Turkmen nomadic ceremonial attire. They mark puberty and marriage, embody fertility, evil‑eye protection, and social rank. Silver held dual roles as currency and talisman, reflecting the cosmological and economic dimensions of female adornment in Turkmen culture.

AGE: Early 20th century

MATERIAL: high grade silver

SIZE : 140 mm (see photos)

WEIGHT: 74 grams

OVERALL CONDITION:
Very good condition, with high quality workmanship.

REFERENCES:
- Bijoux des toits du Monde: De la Chine au Caucase, Bérénice Geoffroy- Schneiter, Fondation Baur/Musée des Arts dʼExtrême-Orient/5 Continents Ed., 2012, p.145
- A world of head ornaments: Africa, Asia, Oceania, America, Anne van Cutsem, SKIRA, 2005, p.86
- Gemme, gioielli e artigianato etnico, David Agar, John Mack, Silvana Editoriale, 1988, p.172
- Traditionnal Jewellery from Soviet Central Asia and Kazakhstan, 19th and 20 th Centuries from the collection of the Museum of Oriental Art Moscow, Sovetsky Khudozhnik Publishers, 1984, p.77