Silver Afghan Twisted Wire Torc Necklace

The word Torc is derived from the Latin verb torquis meaning to twist.    This neck ring form is ubiquitous through prehistoric times.  For example, the ancient Celts crafted Torcs by twisting bands of metal around a core of iron or sometimes wood.

This silver torc - or as Oppi Untracht would have it tawq - is from Nuristan, Afghanistan and is formed of two wires twisted in opposite directions.  There are two side rosettes set with coral and glass and the torc has a scrolled, solid wire end.

Weight: 277g

Dimensions:  the maximum inner diameter is 14 cm and the upper opening, between the two scroll ends, is 5.5 cm.

Age: Early 1900s.

Reference: Untracht, O. (2019) Jewelry Concepts & Technology, pg 167.