Front Panel of an Amulet Holder (Kümush-doga)

Overall front
Front Panel of an Amulet Holder (Kümush-doga)
CultureCentral Asia or Iran, Yomut
Titles
  • Front Panel of an Amulet Holder (Kümush-doga)
Date20th century
MediumSilver with copper inset; fire-gilded, with decorative wire, embossing, stamped beading, turquoise beads, and glass stones
DimensionsAs worn: 16 7/8 × 3 9/16 × 1/2 in. (42.8 × 9 × 1.2 cm)
Credit LineGift of Louise Nasr
Object number2023.589
Current Location
The Audrey Jones Beck Building
Ll 20 Public Corridor
On view

Explore Further

Department
Art of the Islamic Worlds
Object Type
Description Amulet holders such as this kümush-doga made by the Yomut Turkmen were worn close to the body to protect the wearer from illness and misfortune. They contained scrolls inscribed with prayers and Qurʾanic verses or small talismanic objects such as coins and gemstones. The amulet holder’s powers were strengthened by its motifs and materials. Silver was believed to avert evil, as were the ram’s heads on top of the holder and embossed on the rectangular panel. The turquoise stones and the red glass beads, perhaps in imitation of more expensive carnelian, would have further enhanced its protective properties.
Provenance Research Ongoing

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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Overall front
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Overall front
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