The exhibited silver women’s belt – тыжьын бгырыпх in Adyghe – was made in late 19th century. Such belts for centuries were an obligatory elements of a female festive dress in Circassia.
Adyghe women’s belts were of three main types depending on the age and social status of the owner. The first type – young girls’ circle belts were made of pure silver. They consisted of links of the same size with a three-part buckle. In the Adyghe language, such belt was called бгырыпх екlокl, translated literally as circling belt.
Belts of the second type – buckle belts – were also made of silver of high assay (usually around 800) but on a copper or brass base. In the Adyghe language, such belt was called бгырыпх бгъундж, translated literally as oblique belt. These belts were intended for a young girl or a young woman.
And finally, older women wore silver buckle-belts called бгырыпхышъхь, translated as belt and head.
Adyghe women’s belts were of three main types depending on the age and social status of the owner. The first type – young girls’ circle belts were made of pure silver. They consisted of links of the same size with a three-part buckle. In the Adyghe language, such belt was called бгырыпх екlокl, translated literally as circling belt.
Belts of the second type – buckle belts – were also made of silver of high assay (usually around 800) but on a copper or brass base. In the Adyghe language, such belt was called бгырыпх бгъундж, translated literally as oblique belt. These belts were intended for a young girl or a young woman.
And finally, older women wore silver buckle-belts called бгырыпхышъхь, translated as belt and head.
