Head Ornament
Ornaments like this one are sometimes known as kaffa and were worn on the forehead by women in the region of the Najd in central Saudi Arabia. Turquoise is a favorite gemstone throughout the Islamic world and is oftentimes believed to protect the wearer from the evil eye. In the Arabian Gulf, the gemstone has been found historically in the region of Mecca as well as further south in Yemen.
The seed pearls on this ornament were sourced in the regions of modern-day Bahrain and Kuwait, the most important pearling sites before the cultivation of these gems in the twentieth century. Pearls are mentioned in several places in the Qur’an, including in descriptions of paradise, "Allah will cause those who believe and do good works to enter Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will be allowed armlets of gold, and pearls, and their raiment therein will be silk." (Qur’an 22:23)
The seed pearls on this ornament were sourced in the regions of modern-day Bahrain and Kuwait, the most important pearling sites before the cultivation of these gems in the twentieth century. Pearls are mentioned in several places in the Qur’an, including in descriptions of paradise, "Allah will cause those who believe and do good works to enter Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will be allowed armlets of gold, and pearls, and their raiment therein will be silk." (Qur’an 22:23)
Artwork Details
- Title: Head Ornament
- Date: 19th–early 20th century
- Geography: Attributed to Saudi Arabia
- Medium: Gold, turquoise, garnets, and pearls
- Dimensions: H. 4 3/4 in.(12 cm)
W. 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm)
D. 9/16 in. (1.5 cm) - Classification: Jewelry
- Credit Line: Purchase, UBAF Arab American Bank, Hajji Baba Club, Eva D. Balamuth, Wendy Findlay, and Edward Ablat Gifts; The Friends of the Islamic Department Fund; and Louis E. and Theresa S. Seley Purchase Fund for Islamic Art, 1985
- Object Number: 1985.38
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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dated 963 AH/1556 CE
late 14th–16th century
11th–12th century
19th–early 20th century
19th century
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