Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba

Exquisite traditional jewellery. . . . pleated silver necklaces and bangles vividly tell the story of the country's artistry and design. --Vanity Fair This beautiful book is a fitting tribute to the rich culture of Yemen, and its people's appreciation of fine craftsmanship. Marjorie Ransom spent three decades collecting Yemeni jewelry, and many months traveling to the remotest regions of Yemen to interview the women who wore it and the silversmiths who made it. The result is an indispensable reference work for specialists, and an enjoyable feast for all who love the region and its culture. --Shelagh Weir, former curator for the Middle East at the British Museum Marjorie Ransom's Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba is a superb work, carefully researched and documented. We in Yemen will always be grateful to Marjorie for preserving for us the real character of Yemeni jewelry, keeping the past alive in the present in this true jewel of a book. --Dr. Yusuf Mohammed Abdullah, professor of Archaeology and Epigraphy, University of Sanaa, Yemen Here is a long-awaited treasure trove. Marjorie Ransom's love of the country, her knowledge of its highways and byways, and her anecdotes about those she meets in her journeyings add a rare and warm dimension to our understanding of this beautiful country and its silver. --Sarah Searight, author of Yemen: Land and People This inspiring book is the work of a passionate collector, a dedicated researcher, and a patient, sensitive interviewer. Working against difficult odds, Marjorie Ransom found the last knowledgeable sources of information and reveals to the reader not only the story of silver jewelry, but the multicolored mosaic of an elaborate but quickly changing culture. --Shahira Mehrez, researcher, collector, and promoter of traditional Egyptian crafts Rarely is a research book considered an interesting read outside its particular academic circle. But while author Marjorie Ransom repeatedly refers to Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba as a study this book is much more than that. In her effort to document the dying art of Yemeni jewelry making, she created a tome that is part travel story, part coffee table book and all tribute to the author's passion for a country she has grown to love. --Egypt Today With more than 300 color plates, this lavishly illustrated tome offers a wonderful introduction to Yemeni crafts, touching on embroidery as well as the silversmithing. Marjorie Ransom includes stunning examples (all expertly shot by Robert K. Liu) of a variety of hairpieces, headdresses, necklaces (lazem), earrings, bracelets, belts, swords (jambiya), anklets, and amulets. Luckily for readers, she proves an enthusiastic guide with a very readable and engaging style. --Al Jadid Magazine As a scholarly document, the book is a useful and timely tool for students of cultures and for people researching their own collections. It will also be of value to dealers needing to make appraisals. . . . As a cultural interpreter and documenter of a dying art form [Marjorie Ransom] has presented a gift to scholars, to fellow collectors and to the society of Yemen itself. --HALI: The International Magazine of Antique Carpet and Textile Art This book glows with the author's love and respect for the country and people of Yemen, and it does them proud. Everyone who shares her fascination with Yemeni culture will want a copy. It will also be an indispensable reference for collectors and museums. --The Middle East in London This is a study that could not have been delayed another decade. The book has more than 300 beautiful illustrations, some drawn from the author's extensive collection, and much interesting sociological information on the roles of the different pieces. --Aramco World