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A highly collectible Zar amulet used in traditional Zar ceremonies in Egypt. Decorated with the Seal of Solomon (Star of David) on the front with a Koranic Arabic inscription, and a Koranic Arabic inscription on back (Throne verse?). The Throne Verse is one of the best-known verses of the Quran and is widely memorized and displayed in the Muslim World and recited to ward off evil.
Collected by Rita in Egypt in the 1980's. Siwa Oasis. Circa 1930's.
Pierced with large hole on top. No bail. 2.35 inches./5.98 cm across. 27.5 grams. Mixed silver and coin silver content.
ZAR AMULETS - TALISMAN
Egyptian Zar amulets are used to ward off or appease evil spirits or demons. Zar refers to both (1) the spirts that can possess a person and cause physical and/or psychic illness, and (2) the rites performed to appease the Zar-spirit.
Egyptian Zar rituals are neither Arab nor Islamic. A person feeling possessed might ask a sheikha (or Kudya) for help. There are many different Zar spirits who might be thought responsible for a patient’s discomfort. The sheikha might help identify which demon(s) need to be appeased. The Zar amulets would be worn during and after a Zar ceremony — sometimes for rest of the patient’s life. They are generally all engraved on both sides — one side covered with an inscription, the other side shows either Arabic text or the demons against whom the particular amulet is thought to be effective. The amulet would be worn with pictorial side towards the body.
Most Zar amulets are round, disk-like, called “higab qalb” which literally means “amulet for the heart”, implying that it is regarded as protection of a person’s peace of mind. Most all of Zar-amulets have dangling bells which are an additional means of warding off evil spirits.
References: Similar to amulets seen in reference text, "The Traditional Jewelry of Egypt" (Azza Fahmy) and the text "Silberschmuck aus Agypten". Also see https://www.bedouinsilver.com/zar-jewelry.
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