Enquiry about object: 9667
Omani Silver Amulet Pendant with Coral and Chain (Kirsh Kitab)
Oman early 20th century
circumference: approximately 60cm, length of pendant: 9.9cm, diameter of the circular part of pendant: 7.5cm, weight: 115g
Provenance
UK art market
This chain and pendant is from Oman. Known locally as a kirsh kitab, it was intended to serve as a protective amulet for the wearer.
The front is engraved with the so-called Throne verse from the Koran: ‘Allah, there is no god but Him…’ Such text was used to exorcise evil spirits.
The reverse is engraved with a stylised figure of a djinn, an Islamic spirit.
The pendant has a large and elaborate hoop at the top with two round natural coral beads mounted in silver on each side.
The chain is a double chain of silver. It opens and closes via an ‘S’ loop catch.
A similar example is illustrated in Hoek (2004, p. 63) and Forster (1998, p. 39.)
The item is in excellent condition and is very wearable.
References
Forster, A., Disappearing Treasures of Oman, Archway Books, 1998.
Hoek, C., et al, Ethnic Jewellery: From Africa, Asia and Pacific Islands, Pepin Press, 2004.
van Roode, S., Desert Silver: Understanding Traditional Jewellery from the Middle East and North Africa, BLKVLD, 2017.
