Prayer-String Necklace

Description

Artists among the Tekna people and Moors in Northern Africa create silver jewelry in bold forms that stand in stark contrast with the region’s arid environment. Objects from Guelmim in Morocco usually include deeply etched geometric patterns, and are adorned with raised beads or projecting studs. Those from Boutilimit in Mauritania feature large square plates delicately etched with meandering motifs.

Provenance

Unnamed dealer, Tiznit, Morocco, before 2009; sold to Ivo Grammet, Essaouira, Morocco, before 2009 [purchased in Guelmim, Morocco, documentation in curatorial file]; sold to the Art Institute, 2009.

Prayer-String Necklace

Tekna

Early 20th century

Accession Number

201820

Medium

Wood, silver, copper, amber, silk, and carnelian

Dimensions

Flat/Extended: 76.2 × 14 × 3.9 cm (30 × 5 1/2 × 1 1/2 in.)

Classification

jewelry

Museum

The Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

Credit Line

Alsdorf Foundation - James and Marilynn Alsdorf Acquisition Fund