Amulet Item Number: 3420/66 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Rectangular metal amulet with concave or "pinched" sides. The amulet contains layers of rectangles, diamonds, and triangles in silver with gold and copper. A raised silver sphere is set at centre. The front is etched with geometric designs and script. Strung on a braided brown leather cord, which attaches at both upper corners of the amulet. Two large dark purple, teal and yellow leather tassels hang on either side of the amulet, and are each wrapped with black and white checkerboard pattern bands and other colours.

History Of Use

These amulet pendants (3420/64-69), with inscribed decoration, contain folded pieces of paper with verses of protective prayers. The prayers are written by a marabot (Islamic teacher), copied from the Qur’an. Before being sealed inside their protective pendant, the amulet is blessed using incense.