Ancient Beadwork

Tassel amulets

 

In order to distract the malevolent influences of the Evil Eye, tassels are frequently attached to a large variety of objects. Tassels are often made of beads, or are decorated with beads on the fringes. The beads in these objects are multifunctional. Beads have the shape of an eye; round, with a perforation that refers to the iris and pupil. Any eye can successfully counter the Evil Eye. Beads also produce a rattling sound when they collide in movement. This may also distracts evil spirits.

 

Beaded tassels can be made with a large variety of different techniques. A technique that is only attested in the production of tassels however, are beads forming the end of a small strings (see pictures below left) in a tassel. In the production process of these tassels, the small beads on the strings are not only decorative but functional as well. They facilitate holding the yarns and pulling them while they are being twisted to form a fringe-string. When the tassel is finished the beads also weigh down the strings to intensify the effect of the movement of the tassel.