Khatam or Khatim ring

NameRing

Dateca. 1900

Place madeMiddle East, Asia

Mediumsilver

Dimensionsoverall: 2.5 CM X 1.5 CM

Credit LineIFAF Collection

Object numberFA.1972.25.5 H

Collections

Palestinian Dress and Jewelry

DescriptionBraid and ball design on band, raised circular flat piece at center top.

FA. 72.25-5h Khatim (ca. 1900) (Fig. 47) The most common style of ring worn by both sexes throughout the entire Islamic world is that of the signet ring. Thus, most rings are called simply khātim (“seal”) whether they bear an insignia for impression or not.37 Indeed, in most instances there is no seal, but simply a plain flat-top surface of metal or stone which may be round or square. This particular ring of silver alloy has a flat, unengraved circular surface with filigree work on both sides. The rather delicate work indicates that it was probably made in either Jerusalem or Bethlehem, but the style is such that it might have been worn anywhere in Palestine. Dimensions: 2.5 x 1.5 cm. (Palestinian Costume and Jewelry, Yedida Kalfon Stillman, 1979 ISBN: 0-82630490-7).