Bukov (Neckband with breast ornament)

Dateearly 20th century

Object GeographyCentral Asia

MediumSilver, gold, carnelian

Dimensions6 x 6 1/2 x 7 in. (15.2 x 16.5 x 17.8 cm)
Band: 1 1/4 x 6 1/2 x 7 in. (3.2 x 16.5 x 17.8 cm)

ClassificationsMetalwork

Credit LineGift of Mr. Stephen Van C. Wilberding, 2009

Object numberSN11187.11

A bukov is a hinged neckband that functions like a necklace. This style of jewelry is unique to Central Asian Turkomen tribes, so the meanings of some of the designs are not clearly understood. One bukov presented here features gilded diamond shapes soldered onto the neckband itself, while the other presents its patterns through gilding which elaborates and emphasizes the open work. The motifs on the hinged lower section may be wolf-head symbols, representative of Turkomen mythological origins.

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