Vintage Tuareg double amulet in leather from Mali
Old Tuareg double amulet leather pouches with etched markings, strung on their original cord with attached beads. These would have been worn around the neck by Tuareg tribespeople who keep verses from the Qur'an inside as a means of protection. These pouches are unopened. Very collectible pieces.
Date:
Circa 1950
Material:
Leather
Dimensions:
11.0 cm (h) x 6.5 (w)
Weight:
39 g
Ref:
AMU-108
References:
Fisher, A. (1998). Africa Adorned. New York: H. Abrams, pp. 216-217.
An amulet (hirz in Arabic) is an object worn by a person as a form of protection. It is believed to ward off all danger and protect the person from all harm. Often it will be combined with beads or worn on a chain as a piece of jewellery. Some amulets contain verses from the Qur'an as perceived added protection. The amulets in our collection include Tuareg tcherot, Yemeni prayer boxes, boghdad and Tuareg crosses.
