Traditional Egyptian Kirdan Bib Necklace from the Estate of Belly Dancer Serena Wilson - Rita Okrent Collection (NE614)

Traditional Egyptian kerdan bib necklace, comprised of a hand-incised crescent collar suspending a tiered arrangement of repoussé plaques and metal fringe. A rectangular plaque bordered in geometric diamond and dot motifs, centered with a rabbit in high relief, hangs from the collar by a scrolled wire hook, flanked by two fringe tassels topped with sunburst discs. Below, joined by chain, is a butterfly plaque with engraved, textured wings, and below that a scaled fish pendant suspending three further fringe tassels with sunburst and rosette accents. The tiered construction and dangling fringe are characteristic of Egyptian bridal and dance jewelry, designed for movement and sound.

Why We Love It

This piece carries wonderful presence, both for its sculptural tiered form and for its history, as part of the estate of renowned belly dancer, Serena Wilson.

The rabbit motif on the central plaque is a distinctive and less commonly seen detail in kerdan work, paired here with a lively fish and butterfly below it.

Pieces like this were traditionally worn as bridal or ceremonial adornment, and later found favor among performers for the movement and sound created by the fringe.

Provenance: Property from the estate of the renowned belly dancer Serena Wilson Age: Early to mid-20th century

Dimensions: 14.75” H laid flat (37.5 cm); 5.5” neck diameter at narrowest point (14 cm)

Condition: Consistent with age, with expected surface tarnish throughout; reverse of the rectangular plaque shows a patch of surface loss/wear exposing the base metal beneath.

Necklace Item 614