Antique Ethiopian Necklace, Chunam Box Necklace
The above elaborately decorative chunam or the lime box from the early 1900's, is a small version of the high-grade silver round flattened box with and attached chain and spatula.
It was used to hold and carry lime (chunam) for mixing with sliced areca nut for betel chewing. It still contains lime residue, and the box opens with a small hinge on the top back of the Chunam.
The large heirloom lac beads are known as Muria beads and are from a wedding necklace typically worn by the Harar people of Ethiopia. The spacer bicone beads are also from Ethiopia.
These heirloom beads are very old and date from late 1800's to early 1900's. The necklace is in good condition with quite some silver tarnish.
The chunam lime box, 'S' Clasp and Chain for the spatula are all high-grade silver, while the silver beads are a lower grade silver 80% approx.
This is a heavy weight necklace, but extremely rare and beautiful.
Chunam Lime Box, Height: 6 cm (2 1/2")
Chunam Lime Box, Width: 5 cm (2")
Necklace Length: 57 cm (22 1/2")
Beads Length: Approx: 2.5 cm (1")
Weight: 230 grams approx. (8.11 oz.)
Chunam Lime Box: High Grade Silver, 92.5% approx.
PRICE: USD $1,100.00
Purchase link takes you to Etsy