poukla

Ind. no. 108: Silver filigree poukla (buckle, clasp). It consists of three tulip-shaped elements, of which the central, vertically arranged one is the most prominent. All three are made entirely with openwork filigree, contained in curvilinear frames of beaded wire. The decoration is completed with four stones in closed settings. Two round plates and five chains are suspended from the side elements of the clasp. The chains hang from two rings, one at each side element, and extend across the bottom of the clasp. On the back, there are vertical bars for attaching the clasp to a belt, as well as a pin fastener. The fastener connects with one of the round plates, which bears an impressed mark of the Ottoman tuğra, namely the seal of the Ottoman sultan. This clasp is among the most elaborate examples (a similar clasp of the 19th century is depicted in Magda Ohnefalsch-Richter (1913) 1994, pl. 76:1). It belonged to the family of Georgios Sivitanides in Limassol. Dimensions: Total length: 17.5 cm. Max. Height: 8.5 cm.