The Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology announces The Journey of Women: Yemeni Jewelry and Social Growth, a new exhibition opening October 25, 2025.
In the left photo, Silversmith Yusuf al-Abyad made the above “bird” necklace in the 1930’s in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa; Yahya Saleh, who specialized in jewelry for women, may have made the other necklace in the early 20th century. The two necklaces in the right photo were worn together at weddings in Shihr, in the southern Hadramaut. The necklace on the left was called “Mahri loops.” The necklace on the right has wire-wrapped beads called “dees” and flat oval beads called “wushah.” Neither complicated bead is made today.
Schedule of Events at the Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Saturday, October 26, 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Special tours of the exhibition by Marjorie Ransom and behind-the-scenes tours of the museum. Light refreshments will be served.
There will be separate tables with necklaces for self-guided tours
This exhibition will feature silver jewelry and textiles created for Yemeni women, showcasing the meticulous craftmanship of skilled silversmiths and recognizing the role of jewelry as a source of autonomy for women in Yemeni society. These intricate silver pieces played a major role throughout the lives of Yemeni women, while preserving their cultural heritage, identity, and lifeways.
This exhibition was made possible through the generous donation of the Ransom Collection of Yemeni Jewelry by Ms. Marjorie Ransom, a former U.S. diplomat to Yemen and author of Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jewelry.
Ms. Ransom’s book featuring the Collection is considered the first of its kind to provide a comprehensive look at Yemeni silver jewelry from the different regions of Yemen. You can read about the objects in the stewarded collections and the gift here.*
"This beautiful book is a fitting tribute to the rich culture of Yemen, and its people’s appreciation of fine craftsmanship."
– Shelagh Weir, former curator for the Middle East at the British Museum
About
Ms Ransom has lectured widely in the US about the traditional jewelry of the Middle East.
About the book
This stunning volume is the first study ever made of Yemen’s handcrafted silver jewelry.