Splendid Treasures of the Turkmen Tribes From Central Asia June 5, 2010

Throughout their history, The Turkmen have pursued largely nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyles, where wealth was measured in horses, sheep and goats as well as silver jewelry. Turkmen rugs, coats, and jewelry, the focus of this exhibition, are rich with aesthetic beauty and symbols from their ancient culture. For the Turkmen silversmiths who made it and the Turkmen people who wore it during special ceremonies and festivals, as well as in their daily life, this jewelry, apart from its economic value, implied a continuing attachment to their mythical ancestors, a wish for many children and a belief that the symbolic power of this jewelry could ward off evil spirits.