HvWO 057III

Omani antique silver amulet (fertility symbol)
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Silver amulet (fertility symbol)

 

Scarce Omani silver Taswira figure (worn by children, or by women as fertility symbols) Floral designs. Although the representation of the human form is generally forbidden in Islam , the pre-Islamic tradition survived in the making of a variety of amulets. Weight 18 grams. Length 7 cm.

Ref 5 Mols: 'Another shape invested with magical protective powers is an abstracted human figure, the taswira. This amulet is unique to Oman. For children it was believed to ward off evil influences, while in the case of a woman, the taswira supposedly enhanced her fertility. 

 

Omani Silver amulet

Arab name: Taswira / Taswirah

Period: 1850-1950

Origin: Central and northern Oman   (typically made in the interior)

References:
  1. Oman Adorned by Pauline Shelton  Robert Richmond Miranda Morris / Apex London 1997 p 107
  2. Ruth Hawley Silver the traditional Art of Oman (2000 edition) p 25
  3. Richardson & Dorr The craft heritage of Oman p 442 item 046
  4. A tribute to Oman The Sultanates Yearbook: 1993/1994 "Safe and Sound" by Robert Richmond Apex p 192
  5. Catalog of the Oman exhibition in the Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam 2009 page 137
  6. Disappearing treasures of Oman 1998 by Avelyn Foster 48 fig 34
  7. Traditional silver jewelry and handicrafts from Oman 2009 by Jean Greffioz p 68
  8. British Museum similar item  1950's Length: 8 centimetres (pendant) Width: 4.5 centimetres Museum reg: 2009,6023.220