NECKLACE WITH AMULETE BOXES

White metal alloy, engraved, stamped, cast; with glass, beads, turquoise.
Afghanistan, middle of the 20th cent.
Heavy jewellery made of silver or silver coloured metal alloys is being used by women of nomadic tribes in Afghanistan and other countries of Central Asia. An important part of these ornaments are amulet boxes. They contain twists of paper with verses from the Holy Qur'an, which are considered to have strong protective power.

MAP 3557, acquired in 1977.