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 cord of five thin strips of leather, which attaches at both upper corners of the amulet. Two large dark red leather tassels hang on either side of the amulet, and are each wrapped with black and white checkerboard pattern bands and other colours. Back marked with five small vertical lines, one above two rows of two, with a horizontal line between the two rows of two.

• 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.

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• Type of Item amulet
• Culture Tuareg
• Material silver alloy metal, copper alloy metal, metal
• Measurements height 42.0 cm, width 16.0 cm, depth 2.5 cm (overall)

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• Previous Owner Richard Tchuemegne
• Received from Richard Tchuemegne, Michael O'Brian Family Foundation, Museum of Anthropology Exhibitions Budget

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• Made in Mali

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• Ownership Date before February 5, 2020
• Acquisition Date on February 5, 2020

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• Item Classes metalwork
• Condition good
• Accession Number 3420/0065