Amulet pendent with Iranian coins. From Iran, early 20th c.

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Amulet pendent with Iranian coins. From Iran, early 20th c.

Posted by Jean-Marie Criel on March 15, 2016 at 12:49am

Front and reverse of a silver pendent with Iranian coins. From (western?) Iran, early 20th century, possibly Kurdish. Ø disc: 48 mm. Inscribed ('Inshallah' + maybe some other text) and dated H.1330 (1912 AD). The inscription has a protective function, which makes the pendent a kind of amulet. (Inv.n° müç061 - Kavak Costume Collection - Antwerpen/Belgium).

Comments

Peter Hoesli March 15, 2016 at 6:31am

Dear Jean-Marie; This is a very beautiful ornament and protective amulet. I have just bought a beautiful protective Orthodox amulet - a hand, which is around 20cm long and 8.5cm wide, made out of high grade silver and featuring Russian stamps. A real beauty. When I am home next time, I will clean and photograph it and post it on EJ accordingly. With kind regards. Peter
Thelma March 15, 2016 at 1:21pm

How very strange the reverse of this pendant is, Jean Marie. The squares seem to be filled with almost cuneiform script. The 'magic' squares I've seen before were filled with Arabic numerals. Do you think this one is also shamanic? Have you seen one like this before?
Jean-Marie Criel March 15, 2016 at 5:46pm

@ Thelma: Yes, indeed, the reverse is very strange; this is the first of its kind that I encountered. I noticed 'magic' squares on some of the talismanic shirts of the 'Topkapı Palace' Museum (Istanbul), but none of them with cuneiform-like characters (to see those shirts: have a look at my Pinterest board at https://www.pinterest.com/jeancriel/01clothing-at-the-ottoman-court... ).

The 'script' on the medallion may well be (an imitation of) cuneiform, since the area of probable origin - from the Van region up to central Iran - is dotted with such rock inscriptions (Urartu and Achaemenid), which have impressed and intrigued the locals for centuries (at least in the Van region, where I experienced the fact personally).

With kind regards, JM.
Jean-Marie Criel March 15, 2016 at 5:53pm

Peter, I am very curious to see the Orthodox amulet. Any idea from which part of the 'Russian' domain it originates? Kind greetings, JM.
Peter Hoesli March 15, 2016 at 6:10pm

Dear Jean-Marie; Many thanks for your message. The hand is very unusual and large - almost real size. I have purchased this item from one of my contacts in Bulgaria. The gentleman, who sold it to my friend there, has apparently more such amulets! Hence, I have asked my friend to go back and get them as well... We will see what comes out of this exercise. The stamps on the hand should tell more about their origin. There is the number 84, which is the quality of silver and the letters "I.A.M.". At least these are the letters, which I could decipher from the photo. Once I receive and clean it, I might find more clues... I will let you know. With kind regards. Peter

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Amulet pendent with Iranian coins. From Iran, early 20th c.

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