a highly collectible antique Turkoman / Turkmen silver pendant with gold gilding and carnelian (eye shaped) inset, dating to the 19th century. Attributed to the Tekke / Teke tribe of Central Asia, such pendants were called "Muska" (with the tubular bottom known as "Tumar" that would open and carry sacred texts). Triangular or pentagonal shaped pendants were known as "Muskas" and there were symbolically sees as a protective shape (similar to the Asmalyk hangings). The overall execution of the form is done beautifully with decoration of rams horn on the edges which echo the protective importance the Turkoman people historically gave to the ram (an animal, as they saw, living in the highest mountains, close to the heavens) This is an excellent example. The condition is very good. It has natural age patina and an aura to it that later reproductions fail to capture. With a silver chain, it can be worn as an elegant piece of Jewelry. size: Width is 12cm (4.8") x Height is 5.5cm (2.1") and weighs 42grams.