Antique Yemeni Silver Sanduq Belt Container

Antique ornamental silver belt container, known as a sanduq, originating from Yemen and datable to the early decades of the 20th century.

The sanduq was a distinctive element of traditional Yemeni male ornamentation: it was worn suspended from the belt and intended to hold small papers bearing Quranic verses or devotional formulas.
On the back, there is a loop allowing it to be attached to the belt, while the top part is closed by a silver pin secured with a chain.

Beyond its devotional value, the sanduq represented a status symbol and an identity marker, an expression of the high Yemeni silversmithing tradition, renowned for the quality of workmanship and richness of decoration.

Provenance: Yemen
Period: early 20th century

Dimensions: 6.2 x 7.5 cm (2.44 x 2.95 inches)

Weight: 80 gr (2.82 oz)