An Islamic Gold Pendant, ca. 10th century CE Central Australia Various USA private collections

Various USA private collections

At Puyurru a bird dug up a giant snake "Warnayarra" (The Rainbown Serpent) and the snake carried water to create an enormous lake

jade ornaments were prized more highly than gold

in the Northern Territory of Australia

common themes in ancient Egyptian jewelry design

An Islamic Gold Pendant, ca. 10th century CE Central Australia Various USA private collectionsThis elegant pendant is made using box sheet construction, resulting in a light yet durable diamond shaped piece that tapers into double granules at both the top and bottom. At the center is a raised, domed boss surrounded by tightly wound spiral filigree that resembles stylized foliage. The refined wirework and balanced geometry are typical of high quality Islamic goldwork from the early medieval era, during which jewelers favored intricate filigree