Egyptian silver necklace ring and disc

A exceptional neck ring from the Siwa oasis in the heart of the Western desert of Egypt, near the Libyan border. The silver neck ring, known locally as the aghraw, and the attached etched silver disc are an important part of bridal finery in Siwa. The neck ring is deliberately large and hangs down over the front of the woman's body, with the opening of the neck ring on the side of the neck for added impact. After the wedding, the bride keeps the neck ring and passes on the disc to a younger sister for her future marriage. Siwa is known as "the oasis of a million palms" because it is so lush, with dense palms trees grouped around a large shallow lake. Close by is the temple of Amoun, where Alexander the Great came to consult with the Oracle, Amoun, to ask if he would become Emperor of Egypt. There are also two desert springs in the area, one of cold water, and one of hot, where Anthony and Cleopatra would bathe alone, and which became known as Cleopatra's bath. Siwa has been inhabited since ancient times and to this day is remote and isolated. I bought this museum-quality piece in 1993.
Height top to bottom: approx 35 cm / 14 inches
Diameter of disc: 13 cm / 5 inches
Inside circumference of neck ring: 66 cm / 26 inches
Length of opening in neck ring: 11 cm / 28 inches