Bible Encyclopedias
Anklets

Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature

Fig. 39—Anklets: 1, 2, 5, 6, 7.
Ancient Oriental. 3, 4, 8. Modern Oriental

This word does not occur in Scripture, but the ornament which it denotes is clearly indicated by 'the tinkling (or jingling) ornaments about the feet,' mentioned in the curious description of female attire which we find in Isaiah 3. Even in the absence of special notice, we might very safely conclude that an ornament to which the Oriental women have always been so partial was not unknown to the Jewish ladies. In Egypt anklets of gold have been found, which are generally in the shape of simple rings, often however in that of snakes, and sometimes inlaid with enamel or even precious stones. The sculptures show that they were worn by men as well as women. Their present use among the women of Arabia and Egypt sufficiently illustrates the Scriptural allusion. The Koran (24:31) forbids women 'to make a noise with their feet, which, says Mr. Lane, 'alludes to the practice of knocking together the anklets, which the Arab women in the time of the prophet used to wear, and which are still worn by many women in Egypt.' The same writer states that 'Anklets of solid gold and silver, and of the form here sketched (like fig. 39, No. 3), are worn by some ladies, but are more uncommon than they formerly were. They are of course very heavy, and, knocking together as the woman walks, make a ringing noise.' He thinks that in the text referred to (Isaiah