Jewelry has a great tradition and different functions in Turkmenistan. The importance of jewelry in Turkmen society is evident in the incredible number of more than a thousand silversmiths in historic Merv.
Jewelry shows the belonging to a tribe. Wide bracelets (Bilerzik) and large amulets that women still wear on special occasions are particularly common today. Amulets are designed to protect against the evil eye. The belief in this has pre-Islamic shamanistic roots.
For nomadic people, jewelry is also an easy to carry and, if necessary, easily disposable investment.
Even horses and camels that are of great value to Turkmen people are adorned and protected with amulets.
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