Silver Belt Buckle from Central Asia- This handsome silver belt buckle is attractively decorated with floral patterns which are accented with 'niello' (an oxidation technique for silver). Three conical shapes provide distinctive ornamentation that we've seen before on belt buckles from the Caucasus. Six 15-kopek coins dangle by chains from the lower edge; their dates of 1915 and 1916 could give a clue to the age of this piece. Note that the piece curves: that, combined with the size suggests that it could have been made for a boy or a woman. It could be easily worn with a belt of leather or cloth attached to the rings on the back. The silver tests to between 80 and 90%. We found this in Saudi Arabia and think it could have been brought by a pilgrim coming to Mecca for the Haj. This is a handsome and very wearable piece. (write for more photos if desired)