Two Islamic Amulets in the Aga Khan Museum: Inked Surfaces, Hidden Stories Christiane Gruber Synopsis: Humans have sought protection from pain, harm, and negative forces since time immemorial. In Muslim lands, invocations to God and verses from the Qur’an are believed to be especially protective, and so appear on various objects over the centuries. Discover…
Tag: Amulets
The Nîshans of the Yezidis of Northern Iraq
The Nîshans of the Yezidis of Northern Iraq Eszter Spät Synopsis: This presentation explores the nature and role of the nîshans or sacred objects of the Yezidi “priestly” lineages in Northern Iraq. Such nîshans, literally meaning “signs,” are also referred to as hadimas or “seals.” They function both as symbols and proofs of the special descent of the…