Turkmen /qarqin Beaded Carnelian Gonjik Pendant + 'apron' Top

 Antique Turkmen Carnelian Gonjik Pendant from the Qarqin Tribe

This rare panel necklace or vest is a traditional way to wear the large Turkmen gonjik pendants, either as a necklace (pectoral), or sewn on outer garments as here on a sort of hanging apron or vest on two string loops ( one is damaged) .The fabric is vegetable dyed, hand spun and woven and of considerable age. I have allocated a date of c 1900 as the collar stud buttons are c 1870/Victorian so likely to be used when they were added to the piece. The beading has no defects found with the side panels in stunning condition and is probably a museum piece. . . . This item will have been mended/added to and altered like all true tribal pieces over its life
The medallions sewn to this neck-piece serve as amulets to ward off any evil eye or misfortune directed towards the wearer. The large, bead-encrusted, square double-gonjik pendant was handmade during the early 1900's or more likely much earlier- before the making of traditional Turkmen jewelry was prohibited by the occupying USSR. 
The area was part of the ‘Silk Road’, the series of trade routes that spread from China to Europe, and so was subject to significant Chinese influence. 
 Condition Issues:- It is filthy javing been in a drawer since 1982 !
Purchased in the 1980's for a closed shop They are all from the collection of a 50yr+ bead specialist in Covent garden