Turkoman Bilezik Tribal Cuffs Pair - Ersari Turkmen Cuff Bracelets
Bold pair of vintage Turkoman cuff bracelets called Bilezik. These are from the Ersari Turkoman people and are a traditional design with red glass jewels, fine wirework and stamped detailing.
Vintage Ersari turkoman cuffs from mid 20th century. Handcrafted with banding, stampings and wirework. Traditional design has 'teeth' in the back and glass jewels on the front.. As currently sized, the total inner circumference of these cuffs (including opening at the back) measures about 7 to 7.25 inches. They are slightly tapered for a more comfortable fit. These can be adjusted slightly to fit a larger or smaller wrist. About 4.5 inches long. Mixed metals are unpolished. Glass jewels are deep red in color.
The Turkoman are an ethnic group native to Central Asia, primarily the Turkmen nation state of Turkmenistan. Smaller communities are also found in Afghanistan, Northern Pakistan and other areas in Central Asia. The major Turkmen tribes are Tekke, Yomut, Ersari, Chowdur and Saryk. The most numerous are the Tekke. The Turkmen lifestyle was heavily invested in horsemanship and horse-breeding. In spite of changes prompted by the Soviet period, the Turkmen have remained very well known for their horses, the Akhal-Teke desert horse and, of course, for their unique and beautiful jewelry traditions.
Item No. JBC0172
Current Size: About 7 to 7.25 inches inner circumference including the gap - slightly tapered
Gap: From About 1 inch to 1-1/8 inches between the "teeth" in the back
Length: About 4.5 inches
Materials: Mixed metals, glass jewels
Metal Color: Silvery with a very very slight brassy cast, tarnished
Finish: Unpolished
Details: Wirework detailing, stamped metal plaques and large red glass jewels
Additional Info: Traditional Turkoman Ersari 3-row bilezik design.
This item is a PAIR of Turkoman cuffs for the listed price.
Area of Origin: Central Asia
Condition: Vintage
This item is a PAIR of cuff bracelets as shown in the photos on this page.
Please check photos carefully for condition. You will receive the exact piece(s) shown in the photos on this page. This is a USED piece that has been previously worn in country. As a previously used tribal item it may have small flaws such as loose or missing jewels, missing bells, obvious repairs, may be tarnished or worn, or have other small flaws.
A NOTE ON THE CONDITION OF TRIBAL ITEMS: Our jewelry is used tribal jewelry, from faraway lands. As used pieces the condition of our items will reflect their prior lives as treasured tribal pieces. Please know that we strive to maintain the tribal allure of our items and therefore we do not clean or repair these pieces in any way. We leave that choice to the buyer, as each may prefer something different. This not only maintains the old, tribal look of each piece that our belly dance customers seek, but also preserves the value of a piece that cleaning might diminish.
We do our best to describe any flaws that may be present in our items, and we encourage you to read the full description and look at all photos closely to judge the condition of the item for yourself and know exactly what you are ordering. If you have questions about the condition of any item, please ask!
