Vintage Double Layered Silver Choker Fish Necklace from the Ottoman Era

Vintage Double Layered Silver Choker Fish Necklace from the Ottoman EraThis is a rare late 19th century, to early 20th century necklace from the Ottoman era. Known as kirdan or gerdanlik was worn in wide areas from the Caucasus to North Africa across the Ottoman Empire with many variations. I am not entirely sure as to where specifically this is from, but my guess would be North African: Egyptian, Algerian, or Tunisian (chiriya). A similar necklace can be seen in this antique postcard picture from Algeria: But it could

This is a rare late 19th century, to early 20th-century necklace from the Ottoman era. Known as kirdan or gerdanlik was worn in wide areas from the Caucasus to North Africa across the Ottoman Empire with many variations. I am not entirely sure as to where specifically this is from, but my guess would be North African: Egyptian, Algerian, or Tunisian (chiriya).  A similar necklace can be seen in this antique postcard picture from Algeria:

But it could equally be Egyptian. See here an antique picture of a woman wearing a similar necklace that more closely resembles this necklace:

The necklace has three tiers. The first is a snake-shaped element strung on a silver chain. The mid-tier is another repousse element that has more of an elongated shape and is likely to be a stylized fish, a creature associated with happiness and fertility in many cultures. The dangles are simple disc-shaped elements, that stand in for coins.

The whole necklace tests positive for silver on a scratch test and closes with a hook and eye mechanism. It is in good vintage condition.

Length is 41.5 cm (16 1/2"). The drop is 9 cm (3 1/2"). Weight is 57.7 g.