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Worn on the arm above the elbow and secured with a strap as an armlet, this bazuband is likely to have housed a miniature Qur'an, or selected holy verses, in the same octagonal shape. Such Qur'ans were not made to be read but rather to be kept in the box as a sacred object or talisman. The wearing of this box on the body functioned as an amulet and offered the wearer protection.
Amulet Box
Iranian
19th century
Medium/Technique
Turquoise, glass, silver, silk cord
Dimensions
.047 D x .017 H.
Credit Line
Bequest of Mrs. Arthur Croft—The Gardner Brewer Collection
Accession Number01.6508
CollectionsJewelry, Islamic Art
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment
Worn on the arm above the elbow and secured with a strap as an armlet, this bazuband is likely to have housed a miniature Qur'an, or selected holy verses, in the same octagonal shape. Such Qur'ans were not made to be read but rather to be kept in the box as a sacred object or talisman. The wearing of this box on the body functioned as an amulet and offered the wearer protection.
DescriptionAmulet case from Iran.Silver with turquoise and red glass. Worn above the elbow, the bazuband contains a miniature Koran or selected holy verses associated with protection.
ProvenanceBought in Algiers.