Lapis Lazuli Kuchi Locket Necklace

Details:

Origin: Afghanistan

Age: Circa 1930

Dimensions: 16″ Height x 4″ Width

Description: 

This lapis lazuli locket necklace is a one-of-a-kind piece of dowry jewelry and talisman that continues as a cultural tradition among the Afghan tribal nomads, known as the Kuchi people.

Made with German silver, top-quality Afghan lapis lazuli stone, and individually hand-crafted wooden and silver beads, this necklace can be worn on the neck and also as a headpiece.

A talisman is an object ascribed with religious or magical powers intended to protect or bring good luck to the owner. Before the daughter of a Kuchi family is married off, her family visits a wise man, who will listen to their wishes for their daughter. He proceeds to write their prayers, as well as a Bible verse, on a piece of paper with beautiful calligraphy. He then inserts the rolled-up message inside the locket, which must never be opened again or the spirit of the prayer will be lost. The bride would wear this necklace on the night of the wedding for good luck.