wo. 1819. THE PHILIP ABYSSINIAN COLLECTION— HOUGH. 267 



over it is a strap secured at the ends with a packet knot. Two 

 leather loops are secured to opposite edges of the shield on a line 

 with the handle. This superb shield is used lyy the Abyssinian 

 cavalry. 



Diameter, 2(H inches; height, 6+ inches. 



PI. 13, Cat. No. 261883, U.S.N.M. 



Ecclesiastical crown or miter. — Of silver perce a jour and engraved, 

 consisting of a brow band, central band, and apex plate secured to 8 

 vertical curving strips leaving 8 spaces from each of which project 

 slantingly curved prongs of engraved silver. From the apex rises a 

 tubular structure, from the capping plate of which 10 little bells are 

 suspended by chains. From the lower rim of the miter juts a small 

 oval plate fringed with bells and chains, resembling the vizor of a cap. 

 The designs on the silver are similar to those on the shield and con- 

 sist of a series of self-involving loops, apparently from some cord or 

 serpent motif. 



These crowns, which are of very ancient design, are worn by the 

 high priests on state occasions, and are very rare and difficult to 

 obtain. The specimen described was originally in use in the church 

 of St. George, Addis Abeba, Abyssinia. 



Height, lOi inches; diameter, 8^ inches. 



PL 14, Cat. No. 261843, U.S.N.M. 



The necklaces in the Philip collection illustrate very clearly a phase 

 in the origin of such ornaments from the amulet, nearly all the speci- 

 mens being made up of a series of charm boxes. 



Necklace. — Consisting of small button-like beads of fine silver gilt 

 filigree, 6 in number, strung on a coarse cotton string. Old Tigre or 

 God jam work. 



Diameter of beads, f inch. 



PL 15, fig. 1, Cat. No. 261867, U.S.N.M. 



Necklace. — Consisting of 8 silver filigree boxes like Asiatic amulet 

 boxes, strung on a strip of cloth. The filigree work is simple rickrack 

 and occurs on only one side of the boxes, which are provided with two 

 loops for stringing. 



PL 15, fig. 2, Cat. No. 261868, U.S.N.M. 



Necklace. — Consisting of 4 boxes of silver filigree, spaced with 8 

 cylindrical beads. All of the boxes have fringes of conical tinklers 

 suspended by chains and two of the boxes have sliding drawers. 

 The filigree work is in simple patterns. 



PL 15, fig. 3. Cat. No. 261871, U.S.N.M. 



Necklace. — Consisting of 5 silver filigree boxes of crescentic, rect- 

 angular, and conical outline. The design is very good, and the work 

 crude, but effective. 



PL 15, fig. 4. Cat. No. 261869, U.S.N.M. 



