Publication Date
Late thirteenth / nineteenth century
Publication Place
-
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow
Subject
Decorated and molded brass.
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
الطول: 3 سم؛ العرض: 2 سم
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Library Asset ID
1912.6.i. [2]
Record ID
object;ISL;uk;Mus04;40;ar
Library Location
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow
Date
Late thirteenth / nineteenth century
Notes
A small brass amulet used as a protection charm, shaped like a hand; Engraved on the outside is a six-pointed star, a dot in the center, and a crescent at the bottom. Above the star is written an Arabic word: 'Congratulations.' The palm is symmetrical, with two thumbs and two index fingers, and the middle finger in the center, and the nails are clearly defined. The back of the hand is flat and featureless. This amulet was probably fixed on something; Clothes, furniture or a gift. The 'palm' is a popular talisman, used to ward off the evil eye which represents any harmful misfortune that thoughts or actions can cause. The palm appears mainly as an ornament worn by a person, but it is also placed in the form of architectural or other decorations. In the Middle East, the six-pointed star in relief is a symbol of the seal of the Prophet Solomon (King Solomon according to the Bible). According to Islamic teachings, Prophet Solomon was famous for his wisdom and supernatural abilities. His ring, sealed with a six-pointed star, enabled him to control the demons of the jinn and speak to animals. The image engraved on the ring of this amulet is used to give the bearer strength. The presence of the crescent moon, as well as the phrase “blessed” written in Arabic, confirm that this amulet is Islamic.
Sample Text
Noorah Al-Gailani, Noorah Al-Gailani “Amulet in the shape of a palm” in Discover Islamic Art. Museum Without Borders, 2026. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;ISL;uk;Mus04;40;ar
