Kuchi Afghan Gul i Peron Bead Medallion - SINGLE - 2.75 Inches

This vintage Kuchi medallion has been removed from tribal clothing or accessories and is just waiting to embellish a new item! Colorful, intricate and easy to add to clothing or belly dance costuming, Kuchi medallions, or gul - i peron are most often made from glass seed beads and sometimes include pom poms, bells, mirrors, sequins or other decorative elements. Handmade decorative piece from the Kuchi people of Afghanistan.

Afghan beadwork is some of the finest in the world, often with intricate mathematical patterns. Studies have been done on the mathematics of Kuchi beadwork! Because these pieces are handmade, there may be some slight variation in size, shape or pattern. Medallions are made from glass seed beads (also possibly plastic beads that imitate tiny cowrie shells) and a backing material that can include a cardboard or plastic disc covered in fabric or a backing of felt, which can sometimes be made from animal hair. Backing material may be quite thick or stiff, or can be thin and flexible.

Item No.: TDG1081
Size: 2.75 inches
Shape: Round
Center: Beaded
Thickness: About 1/4 inch
Base: Layered fabric and cardboard
Colors: Blue, white, red, green
Materials: Glass beads, metallic braid, fabric, cardboard
Photos on white background show color most accurately.
Country of Origin: Afghanistan
Condition: Vintage

This listing is for a SINGLE beaded medallion.

Handmade beaded medallions may have some slight variation in size, shape or pattern. Medallions are usually made from glass seed beads and sometimes metallic thread embroidery (also possibly plastic beads that imitate tiny cowrie shells) with a backing material that can include a cardboard or plastic disc covered in fabric or a backing of felt, which can sometimes be made from animal hair. Backing material may be quite thick or stiff, or can be thin and flexible.

Beadwork items often become worn after a relatively short period of time, repairs often show where the original maker or owner tried to keep the item in good condition. These pieces may be  frayed, worn or have other evident wear. Beadwork may come loose in places. Please check all photos carefully for condition and be aware that this wear is a part of the vintage cultural nature of these items. Loose beading can often be repaired easily using a beading needle and beading floss.  If you have questions about any of our items, please let us know by emailing us at info@redcamel.net.

Afghani beadwork is some of the finest in the world, often with intricate mathematical patterns.  (Studies have been done on the mathematics of Kuchi beadwork - ask me about it!) Please be aware that these pieces have been used and reused, often many times, and will show wear in places. If necessary, beadwork can often be repaired simply by running a bit of beading floss through the beads and knotting it securely.

A NOTE ON THE CONDITION OF TRIBAL ITEMS: Our tribal beadwork and textile items are used tribal pieces from faraway lands. As used pieces our items will may be frayed, faded or otherwise reflect their prior lives as treasured tribal pieces. Please know that we strive to maintain the tribal allure of our items and therefore we DO NOT CLEAN or repair these pieces in any way. This not only maintains the old, tribal look of each piece that our belly dance customers seek, but also preserves the value of a piece that cleaning would destroy.