Obj. ID: 41034 Bride's Crown, Tunis, circa 1900
sub-set tree:
The following description was prepared by William Gross:
The trade of jewelry making in gold and silver in Tunisia was largely in Jewish hands. This was true in most of the country, but particularly in Djerba. Most of the jewlery fashioned in gold was for the Jewish community while Arabs generally wore silver items. Many of the pieces of jewelry contained amuletic elements, particularly the hamsa, fish and birds. The level of skill was generally very high.
This exquisite five-part hinged bridal crown is formed from heavy gold cast pieces to which are attached many pearls which are set with diamonds and semi-precious stones. It was an extremely valuable piece that was owned by one family, but lent to Jewish brides from other families as well. The crown is of extreme rarity and fine workmanship. Such pieces of gold jewelry were made by Jewish artisans. These adornments were for weddings and other celebratory occasions.