Elegant "shokila" forehead or temple ornament. Uzbekistan (Xorazm [Khorezm]), [late 19th century].
Silver, gilt, repoussé; sheet silver, gilt, punched; gemstones; glass.
Ornament consists of droplet-like shapes ("boteh" or paisley) adorned with gemstones and glass beads. Suspended from the bottom are chains with pendants, set or inlaid with coral beads and turquoise stones.
Ornaments such as these were part of a combined set that included head and chest ornaments (pectorals) worn by women in the Xorazm (Khorezm) region of Uzbekistan. The term "shokila" relates both to this specific head ornament and to the entire set of ornaments.
Approx. 17X12 cm. Minor blemishes.
Reference: Later Islamic Jewellery, item no. 166.