Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jew

Name: Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jew
SKU: 9781649033338
Availability: InStock

EGP975.00

The first illustrated study of ethnic silver jewelry in Yemen, by an expert researcher and collector, new in paperback
Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba documents a disappearing artistic and cultural tradition with over three hundred photographs showing individual pieces, rare images of women wearing their jewelry with traditional dress, and the various regions in Yemen where the author did her field research. Ransom’s descriptions of the people she met and befriended, and her exploration of the significance of a woman’s handmade jewelry with its attributes of power, protection, beauty, and personal identity, will appeal to ethnic jewelry fans, ethnographers, jewelry designers, and art historians.
Amulet cases, hair ornaments, bridal headdresses, earrings, necklaces, ankle and wrist bracelets are all beautifully photographed in intricate detail, interspersed with the author’s own photographs of the women who shared their stories and their hospitality with her. A chapter on the history of silversmithing in Yemen tells the surprising story of the famed Jewish Yemeni silversmiths, many of whom left Yemen in the late 1940s. This is the first in-depth study of Yemeni silver, uniquely illustrated with photographs of a world that is transforming before our eyes, and animated with the portraits of a precious legacy.

SKU: 9781649033338 Categories: Books, E Fashion, English Books

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Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jew

Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jew Book Description

Readers will discover a vivid portrait of Yemen’s disappearing silver‑jewelry tradition in Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jew. This engaging paperback blends field research, personal stories, and over three hundred photographs that capture each piece in stunning detail. Inside, the author, an experienced collector, shares rare images of women wearing their heirloom ornaments with traditional dress, letting the reader experience the culture firsthand.

Throughout the book, the author explores how handmade silver jewelry conveys power, protection, beauty, and identity. Fans of ethnic jewelry, ethnographers, and art historians will appreciate the rich descriptions of amulet cases, hair ornaments, bridal headdresses, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Moreover, the photographs of the women who shared their stories add warmth and authenticity to the visual narrative.

Meanwhile, a dedicated chapter traces the history of Yemeni silversmithing and reveals the surprising legacy of Jewish Yemeni artisans. Many of these skilled craftsmen left Yemen in the late 1940s, yet their influence remains evident in the intricate designs documented in the book. Therefore, readers gain both cultural insight and historical context in a single, beautifully illustrated volume.

Key Features of Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jew

Each section presents high‑resolution images of over three hundred jewelry pieces, allowing readers to explore fine details that would otherwise be inaccessible. Additionally, the author’s field notes provide context about the regions where the jewelry was made, highlighting local customs and techniques.

Furthermore, personal portraits of the women who entrusted their stories create an intimate connection between the reader and the subjects. The book also includes a concise timeline of Yemen’s silversmithing evolution, making it a valuable reference for designers and historians alike.

Finally, the paperback format ensures portability, so enthusiasts can easily carry this visual encyclopedia wherever they travel or study.

Why Read This Book?

Readers will enjoy a unique blend of visual art and cultural anthropology. This book not only preserves a fading artistic heritage but also celebrates the women who embody it. Because the narrative is woven with personal anecdotes, the reading experience feels both scholarly and heartfelt.

Moreover, educators can use the richly illustrated content to introduce students to topics such as gender, identity, and craftsmanship in the Middle East. Jewelry designers will find inspiration in the intricate patterns and traditional motifs documented throughout the volume.

Therefore, anyone interested in world cultures, ornamental art, or historical craftsmanship will find value in this comprehensive study.