Bedouin Cuff with Braided Motif

Rope, in silver. It will not fray.

Bedouin silversmiths of the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, North Africa, made this cuff in silver. Heavy open cuffs are commonly worn by Bedouin women, where silver serves as both adornment and portable savings. A broad, smooth band is edged top and bottom with fine twisted wire, and a thick braided cord circles the center. Small stamped marks sit on the band, and the metal has the soft gray sheen of long wear.

About 3 inches across and 2 high. It sits on a wrist, or a shelf, with equal assurance.