silver mounted tooth GH.

[Francais]

I posted this some years ago on another site. I thought the best explanation is that it was Bavarian. I would like to know if anyone knows for sure, what it was used for, and the maker.
Maurice

[silverfan]

Hallo Francais,
it could have been a part of a so-called Charivari. That is a kind of chain (Schmuckkette) people wear in combination with bavarian dress on their belly. The maker I don't know.
Regards silverfan

[oel]

Hi,


Just wondering but could it be an Arabian /Eastern relique ?

Oel.

[WarrenKundis]

Gentlemen,

What we appear to be looking at is the triple root system of a human molar. Will be attending a social event tomorrow evening, let me ask my dentist what he thinks of the tooth itself. I'll also shoot this post to an extremely knowledgable friend In Arabic and other languages to see it it makes any sense to him.

In my mind the workmanship looks primitive, not personally aware of the wearing of teeth in Muslim societies. Hada may have a better idea.

Will keep you posted.
Warren

[Francais]

I really think it is German, probably Bavarian.
Maurice

[WarrenKundis]

Thank you Maurice,

Your comment allowed me to return to silverfan's correct identification of a charivari or Schmuck Kette chain worn around the waist with traditional Bavarian attire. The particular example in Wikipedia exhibited several items such as a boar's head, boar hair, bird claw, tusk, hand, acorn, crystals, and pieces of deer antler. Appear to be traditional folk talisman or amulets. The modern equivalent would be a charm bracelet.

Although if your going to ward off strange Americans such as myself from your posts, may need something more powerful.

Gentlemen!

[AG2012]

Molar tooth charm.
ARABIC letters no doubt, but what language? The first letter (or letters) from the right cannot be deciphered, the last three letters are Z (very probably), then N and A for sure.
Have no idea what’s the meaning of it, but tooth charms are still made.Looks very old (cracked cementum).

[WarrenKundis]

Just as an FYI that before I halted my search that included examining Berber and Tuareg Design elements which did not seem a satisfactory match, was starting to look at Kabbalistic amulets. Hebrew and Arabic are both Semitic languages written right to left. These three forms are not joined which in my mind appears closer to Hebrew than Arabic. Seems possible that this object even though it may have at one time in its existence been attached to a Schmuck Kette may have more to do with Jewish Mystic tradition.

Just my opinion
Warren

[AG2012]

Letetrs decipfered are Arabic zaay, nuun and alif (ligatured, which is common).There are Hebrew speaking people around — let them read this.