Rectangular metal amulet with concave or "pinched" sides and bottom. The amulet contains layers of rectangles, diamonds, and triangles in silver with gold and copper accents. A raised silver sphere is set within the diamond at centre. The front is etched with geometric designs and script. Strung on a long black fibre cord, which attaches at both upper corners of the amulet. The tassels are wrapped with thin bands of light brown, dark brown, and teal.

• 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, fibre, skin
• Measurements height 76.0 cm, width 14.0 cm, depth 2.8 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 3420/0067