This intricate bracelet is in the style of pieces from the Omani and North African areas. Originally these bracelets came from a dark past of slavery. After the thankful abolishment of slavery, many of the silver slave bangles were melted down. However, some items were actually purchased by 'freed slaves' and used as a symbol of freedom and gifted to babies at baptism to represent the broken chains of enslavement, never to be repeated. Then the bracelets began to take on a new meaning, representing love and strength.
This particular piece is made up of unstamped sterling silver and has been hand chased with very intricate detailed repeating flower style motifs all around the outside edge of the bangle. The tips are conical in shape and further decorated. One of the conicals is a little misshapen as can be seen in the photo. The size of the bracelet is small and it has a conical shaped silver screw to open up the bracelet. It is hard to date but it certainly has some age about it. Whatever you thoughts are about this piece and its history, it serves as a reminder of all our pasts as we look towards our future together.
Dimensions are as follows:
Inside circumference 14.5 cm
Thickness 20 mm
Weight 67.09 grams
