8 Yemeni Silver Hollow Beads Cooper Collection

Silversmiths in Yemen exhibit a rich diversity of styles influenced by regional and cultural distinctions. In the northern regions, where many silversmiths are of Jewish descent, jewelry reflects centuries of Hebrew influence, showcasing intricate filigree and granulation on rings, beads, and pendants. Southern Yemen, having been a British colony, reflects a broader array of influences, including Indian and Persian styles. Southern Yemeni silverwork often incorporates motifs like palm trees and barley, representative of the local fauna. Yemeni jewelry emphasizes both functionality and geometry, with many pendants serving as amulets to hold prayers or scriptures. Symbolic motifs such as snakes, triangles, fish, crescents, and sun shapes, each carrying fertility or religious significance, adorn beads and jewelry. Coins are frequently integrated, symbolizing prosperity, while loop-in-loop chains, known for their noise, are believed to ward off evil spirits. Yemeni silver beads, composed of melted silver and other metals, are measured against the Maria Theresa Thaler coin, considered the highest standard with a silver content of 75-85%, whereas Yemeni beads typically range from 45-50% silver content, with most falling below this standard.

Provenance: Austin Cooper Collection

The collection of Austin Cooper, whose collection, was built over 30 years ago, contained superb examples of ancient beads, Venetian and other European trade beads, Bodom, Akoso, and Kiffa beads, Jatim, and other rare Asian beads. Austin had a superb eye, and Africa Direct is proud to be able to offer his beads, his legacy, many of which are of a quality rarely available today.

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