The traditional jewellery of the Syrian region, which incorporated much of Palestine, Jordan and Lebanon as well as Syria itself in the 19th century, shows influences from a wide range of sources, reflecting Syria’s strong trading traditions and central location. The jewellery worn in towns, which is often Ottoman or western in style, is frequently very different from that worn by the nomadic Bedouin, whose characteristic silver jewellery is much better known today. There were also differences in the jewellery worn by the different faiths of the region, although these were usually expressed in details of design and decoration rather than in overall function.

This pendant was described as a ‘brooch worn by Druses’ when it was acquired by the Museum in 1873. It would have been worn hanging from a pin or clasp used to fasten a woman’s shift in the centre of the front.