Silver amulet pendant, Syria

A double-sided embossed silver woman’s Qu’ran holder “muskalik” in a triangular shape, decorated in floral pattern, bejeweled with glass stones, opening lid on top, bells and coins at the bottom and worn over the shoulder on a long chain. from Syria, possibly Damascus and Aleppo and worn by Druze people.

Late 19th century,1880/90 circa.

With an Arabic inscription on the back, the Islamic quote “Mashallah”.

This kind of amulet was an export item made in various smithing centers of the core of the ottoman world (Istanbul, Damascus, Sarajevo…) following a popular trend and fashion from the second half of the 19th century.

Material: Silver and glass beads.

Dimensions: 15 x 4 x 1 cm

Literature: “The arts and crafts of Syria”, Kalter, Johannes, Thames and Hudson, 1992

ME178