Stop by the Coronado Museum of History and Art through May 26, and you’ll have the unique opportunity to view a rare collection of Turkoman textiles and jewelry in Talisman of the Turkoman: Traditions of a Warrior Tribe.

A Nomadic History
The early Turkoman tribes ranged from the area east of the Caspian Sea all the way to Afghanistan. In the land of steppe and desert, inhospitable to agriculture, the Turkoman raised large herds of horse, sheep and camel.  They supplemented their lifestyle of pastoral nomadism by serving as mobile armies for nearby rulers and making forays into Iran for slaves and booty.

An Elaborate Tradition
Known for possessing the most elaborate jewelry tradition within all of Central Asia, the Turkoman created a unique style of ornamentation with an art of great sophistication.  The Turkoman women wore their treasured jewelry and elaborate costumes on a daily basis, adding several pounds of silver, gold and carnelian ornaments to their high headdresses for festive wear.  Many of their ornaments served as elaborate coverings but also carried a certain talismanic magic.

An Exclusive Exhibit
Talisman of the Turkoman: Traditions of a Warrior Tribe contains items ranging in size from small earrings to a large ornamental camel hanging used in wedding processions.  Especially charming are the magical children's garments known as "elek," believed to protect a child from "the evil eye."  What’s more, this is the first time this entire collection is on display to the public.

Coronado Museum of History and Art is located at 1100 Orange Avenue, Coronado.  Hours are 9am – 5pm weekdays and 10am – 5pm weekends.  Admission is a suggested donation.  For more information, call 619-435-7242 or visit www.coronadohistory.org.