Large, elegant women's belt buckle, apparently crafted by Jewish silversmith. Iraqi Kurdistan (Sulaymaniyah?), [late 19th or early 20th century].
Silver, repoussé, stamped, engraved, and pierced.
Consisting of two slightly convex rectangular parts with symmetrical vegetal patterns and droplet-like ("boteh" or paisley) patterns. Tapering arched silver ornaments soldered onto left and right edges. Closed with long pin.
36X9.5 cm. Missing chain formerly connecting pin to buckle.
Reference: Jews of Kurdistan: Lifestyle, Tradition, and Art, pp. 214-15.