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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1963.81
People
Unknown Artist
Title
Silver Amulet Box
Classification
Boxes
Work Type
box
Date
19th century
Places
Creation Place: Middle East, Iran
Period
Qajar period
Culture
Persian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/216118

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Silver
Dimensions
7 cm (2 3/4 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Chester A. Priest
Accession Year
1963
Object Number
1963.81
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Amulet boxes such as these were worn in pairs, with a piece of cloth passing through the loops on the side to attach one box to each upper arm. In the center of each box lid is the bismallah, written in such a way as to form a pseudo-magic square. Around the edge of the lid and around the body are verses from the Quran. The boxes would also have contained miniature Qurans. The Quran was believed to have protective qualities, and so these amulets would have protected the wearer from harm, disease, misfortune, and the evil eye, and would have afforded him or her a general sense of well-being. Notes from the Glory and Prosperity exhibition, Feb - June 2002.

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu