Amulet, Iran, 19th century, Gold, chased and hammered, AKM624.2

Amulet, Iran, 19th century, Gold, chased and hammered, AKM624.2

The suspension loops of this gold amulet, a portable talisman, indicate that it would have been attached to a chain or cord, either worn around the neck or secured to a belt. Its inscribed Qur'anic verses offer blessings (Arabic, barakat) on the wearer, while the elongated shape reveals that a piece of paper rolled up into a scroll may have been kept inside, perhaps Qur'anic verses written in the exquisitely tiny 'dust script' or ghubari.

Aga Khan Museum

19th century

Aga Khan Museum

Aga Khan Museum

Dimensions: L: 8.5 cm

Materials: Gold, chased and hammered

Arabic

AKM 624.2

Iran