Pair of gilt bridal "gnadel" or "gandila" headdress ornaments to be suspended on either side of the head, over the temples. Djerba, Tunisia, [first half of 20th century].
Silver (gilt), cast and pierced; silver thread.
Pair of long head ornaments, each composed of five openwork pendants of varying size, gradually diminishing in size from top to bottom. Each pendant is prism-shaped, widening toward the bottom, with the narrow top surmounted by a crown-like ornament. The lower three pendants are five-sided prisms, while the upper two are six-sided. Decorated in silver thread with geometric patterns, and pierced with heart shapes and tiny circles and leaflets. Suspended from each of the prism-shaped pendants is a set of numerous tiny pendants that, when shaken, combine to produce a ringing, chime-like effect.
Approx. 30X4 cm. Good condition. Several small pendants broken or missing.
References: Le bijou traditionnel en Tunisie, p. 18; Later Islamic Jewellery, p. 55.