Six Palestinian "habbet 'adaseh" bracelets with hand-shaped clasps. Palestine, Nablus Region, [first half of 20th century].
Silver, cast; silver thread / white metal.
Such bracelets – with anywhere from two to five rows of round, lentil-like ornaments – were worn in towns and in the wealthier villages such as Bethlehem and Ramallah. In four of the bracelets, the clasp is in the form of a cuffed hand.
1-2. Two wide bracelets. Clasp in form of hand grasping flower. On one of the two, a star-and-crescent symbol appears on the wrist. 6X2.5 cm; 6X2 cm.
3-4. Two narrow bracelets. 6.5X1 cm.
5-6. Two white metal bracelets. 6X1.5 cm.
References: Palestinian Costume, p. 199; Pracht und Geheimnis, p. 266, item nos. 66, 68.