Amulet
Amulet
1860-1870 (made)
1860-1870 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Amulets, which were believed to protect the owner against harm of all kinds, were widely worn in the Islamic world. They could take many forms, and acquired their potency from their colour, shape or material. This little frog was described as a ‘preservative against the evil eye’ when it was acquired by the Museum in 1872 as an example of typical Syrian traditional jewellery. It might also represent a toad, which was a popular amulet among the Bedouin for promoting growth and female fertility.
It was bought for two shillings, for a pair, at the International Exhibition, London, in 1872.
It was bought for two shillings, for a pair, at the International Exhibition, London, in 1872.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Amulet |
| Materials and techniques | Cast silver |
| Brief description | Silver amulet in the shape of a frog, Syria, 1860-1870. |
| Physical description | Small flat cast pendant of a frog hanging by a loop at the top of its head from a ring. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Object history | Bought for 2/- |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | Amulets, which were believed to protect the owner against harm of all kinds, were widely worn in the Islamic world. They could take many forms, and acquired their potency from their colour, shape or material. This little frog was described as a ‘preservative against the evil eye’ when it was acquired by the Museum in 1872 as an example of typical Syrian traditional jewellery. It might also represent a toad, which was a popular amulet among the Bedouin for promoting growth and female fertility. It was bought for two shillings, for a pair, at the International Exhibition, London, in 1872. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 1558-1873 |
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| Record created | April 8, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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