Gallery

A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.

Amuletic necklace from Afghanistan

Posted by Lynn Ardent on October 23, 2016 at 3:42am

A huge amuletic necklace from Afghanistan. The central amulet features a magic number square, with protective writing engraved along the edges. The long chain is adorned with many mango shapes, two cylindrical and two box amulets. 295 grams. I have been enjoying the photos and discussions of these amulets and wanted to show another form they come in. Attributed to the Herat region by Janata.

Comments

Lynn Ardent October 23, 2016 at 3:51am

Close up of the amulet
Peter Hoesli October 23, 2016 at 2:03pm

A very nice example! Congratulations! Peter
Thelma October 24, 2016 at 3:12pm

An exceptional piece, Lynn. Very well preserved. The decoration on the pendant is very interesting. Do you think it was made to protect someone .. maybe by a shaman?
Thelma October 26, 2016 at 2:37pm

Dear Lynn, in my last comment about this I wondered who was responsible for these magic squares and have now been able to read the comments on Facebook. Thanks to Alaa for his valuable information about the Shia. But it raises so many other questions.... For example, was the content of these squares taken 'off the shelf' or were they specially tailored to the individual. And having been been formulated were these magic texts activated? Maybe by a prayer or ceremony of some kind? Do we know?