Javascript must be enabled to continue!

Silver Amulet Box

Amulet boxes such as these were worn in pairs, with a piece of cloth passing through the loops on the side to attach one box to each upper arm. In the center of each box lid is the bismallah, written in such a way as to form a pseudo-magic square. Around the edge of the lid and around the body are verses from the Qur'an. The boxes would also have contained miniature Qur'ans. The Qur'an was believed to have protective qualities, and so these amulets would have protected the wearer from harm, disease, misfortune, and the evil eye, and would have afforded him or her a general sense of well-being. Notes from the Glory and Prosperity exhibition, Feb - June 2002.

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum Bequest of Chester A. Priest

19th century Qajar period

Persian

Title: Silver Amulet Box

Description:

Amulet boxes such as these were worn in pairs, with a piece of cloth passing through the loops on the side to attach one box to each upper arm.

In the center of each box lid is the bismallah, written in such a way as to form a pseudo-magic square.

Around the edge of the lid and around the body are verses from the Qur'an.

The boxes would also have contained miniature Qur'ans.

The Qur'an was believed to have protective qualities, and so these amulets would have protected the wearer from harm, disease, misfortune, and the evil eye, and would have afforded him or her a general sense of well-being.

Notes from the Glory and Prosperity exhibition, Feb - June 2002.

Back

Related Results

Brooch

This small brooch has within a circle of elliptical motifs clearly a star-shape with blue (imitation) gemstone as central motif.´ Outside the circle are ten also blue stones embedd...

Brooch

This small brooch is richly decorated. In the centre a motive of cut out larger and smaller circles can be seen. In the centre of the larger circles, and in between, black (imitati...

Brooch

This small brooch has the openwork shape of a heart. In the middle of the heart is a sequin with balls on it in the shape of a cross. At the top of the heart are alternately a larg...

Silver necklace with amulet holders

Necklace with three amulet boxes alternating with four yellow and eight black and silver beads. The beads were probably imported from India or Nepal. The jewelry is in the style of...

Silver amulet holder

Turkmen amulet holders are usually triangular or rectangular in shape and the shape of this amulet holder - a double bird - is therefore rare. The holder is decorated with cornalin...

Bracelet

Bracelet made up of four rings, from which hang as many double-link chains. The original ribbon (atacadera) that allowed the suspension of the whole is not preserved in this case e...

Scaraboid Seal: Hawks

This scaraboid seal is of the “acorn” type. One side shows a frontal, bearded man with full cheeks, a thin and rectangular mouth, a triangular nose, and incised hemispherical eyes....

Red Stone Sumerian Amulet Duck

Red stone amulet in the shape of a duck or similar bird-like figure. The amulet is marked just with an incised contour differentiating the body and the tail depressions on either s...

Email:
Password:

Email: