Marti Dean

Nazarlık and Çengel Gallery · Collection catalogue

Nazarlık 08

Protective hanging · Anatolia

Full-length frontal view of a circular nazarlık with concentric cowrie-shell rings, central mirror, five coloured wool bands and tassels.
Object 08 · Frontal view Select to view full-size photograph

Photographic details

Close-up of the circular felt head showing concentric rings of cowrie shells, a central mirror, twisted wool cords, fringe and the upper ends of woven wool bands.
Circular head · Cowrie rings and central mirror
Reverse of the circular hanging showing irregular stitches, felt backing, colour-striped wool bands and the braided top suspension loop.
Reverse · Felt backing, stitching and woven bands

Catalogue record

Object
08 · Probably a protective camel adornment; possibly horse.
Dimensions
135 cm long; head width TO BE RE-MEASURED
Acquisition
Heinz Johannik collection; acquired in 2026.
Dating
Late 19th–early 20th century, attributed by Johannik.

Materials

  • Handmade felt head, mirror with mounting, cowries and two-colour twisted wool cords.
  • Wool bands, fine burgundy fringe, antique brass buttons (some military-style).
  • Irregular handmade ring/doughnut-shaped glass beads and wool tassels.

Construction And Techniques

  • Central mirror surrounded by graduated, side-by-side cowries, with narrow ends directed outward; minor irregularities in spacing.
  • Inner cording between shell bands burgundy/black; outer twisted cording burgundy/green. Braided perimeter and partial fine fringe.
  • Five separate wool bands, c. 4.5 cm wide, in blue/burgundy/ochre/burgundy/blue; large braided suspension loop.
  • Diagonal row of buttons c. 22 cm down; each band narrows and produces two lateral tassels, then divides again into two lower tasselled cords (20 tassels total).

Decorative Features And Motifs

  • Concentric cowrie rings with two-colour spacers and mirror centre.
  • Buttons include crescent-and-star (ay yıldız) and other worn motifs; coloured ring beads above wrapped tassel heads.

Condition And Alterations

  • General fading/discolouration, especially tassels; loss of about one-quarter of the fine fringe.
  • Buttons worn, several designs unreadable; strongly flattened reverse may reflect extended pressure or display.

Motif Research And Cultural Comparisons

  • Crescent and star are descriptively ay yıldız; military-button identification remains tentative.
  • Cowries and reflective surfaces fit the protective context, but no specific solar meaning has been demonstrated [2].

Provenance And Research Notes

  • User said “six centimetres” for width, but this conflicts with description; do not assume 60 cm. Confirm from measurement.