Small Horse or Donkey Necklace

Artist

Baluch, Southeastern Iran (Iranian)

Date

Early 20th century

Medium

Wool and shells

Dimensions

Work : 37 x 26 in. (93.98 x 66.04 cm)

Credit Line

Gift of Verne Trinoskey and Paula Armintrout Trinoskey

Object Number

2019.25.5

Label

This small animal necklace may have been made for a baby donkey or pony. The finely woven bands on the necklace’s large tassels feature a lozenge design called gor chashm, or “wild ass eye,” that is supposed to protect the animal and its owner from evil forces and black magic. These gor chashm banded tassels are only found on textiles from the southern parts of Baluchistan. They are time-consuming and difficult to make and therefore lend special status to the weavings on which they are used. [Caleigh White '2020]