Small Horse or Donkey Necklace
Artist
Baluch, Southeastern Iran (Iranian)
Date
Early 20th centuryMedium
Wool and shellsDimensions
Work : 37 x 26 in. (93.98 x 66.04 cm)Credit Line
Gift of Verne Trinoskey and Paula Armintrout TrinoskeyObject 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]