Amuletic pear-shaped pendant

Silver pear shaped pendant

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Silver pear shaped pendant
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Silver pear shaped pendant, with writings engraved on it from the Koran, with silver square rupee used for headaches, Near East, 1880-1930

The practice of carrying amulets or charms to bring good luck or good health through protection against disease has an extremely long history. Both the pear-shaped pendant and rupee are engraved with writings from the Qu’ran, the holy book of Islam. The pendant was carried to prevent headaches.

Details

Category:
Ethnography and Folk Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A111473
Materials:
silver
Measurements:
square: 2 mm x 21 mm x 21 mm,
rupee: 3 mm x 21 mm x 21 mm,
pendant: 5 mm x 50 mm x 80 mm, .022 kg
type:
pendant
credit:
Wellcome Trust (Purchased from Stevens)