A journey to search my soul

This is a blog of my personal collections. The purpose of this blog is to educate myself and public in regards to antiquities especially related to religion and calligraphy. I welcome everyone to input their feedback in this blog which they think would be helpful. I do not watermark the photos in this blog so everyone is free to use them as long as they are not used for illegal and unethical reasons. I appreciate if you could notify me if you plan to use any of the photos here. Enjoy browsing!!

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Ancient Manuscript Review 184 : Antique African Islamic Magical Amulet / Tuareg Gris Gris ( 19th century)


 
This is an amulet or gris-gris from Africa contains series of squares & numbers based on Quranic verses. This manuscript has each magical square representing each surah in the Quran ( total 114 Surah). It is originated from Niger Africa of Tuareg ethnic. The Tuareg, are a nomadic culture of Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Mali. The pouch is 7" by 5" in dimension and weighs 74gm.
 
 I really dont know what is the purpose of this amulet and what can this amulet do. But from the Wiki, below is the excerpt :
 
"A gris-gris is formed in a small, leather pouch which is usually etched with verses from the Qur'an. Inside the pouch are engravings specially tailored to the wearer. The pouch is then sprinkled with blessed water while an incantation is recited.The ceremony is traditionally conducted over an altar with a burning candle being present.The ingredients of the gris-gris number one, three, five, seven, nine or thirteen.Sometimes stones and other items with occult-meanings are added to the pouch. There will often be a doll symbolising the wearer also attached to the pouch."
 

 The amulet is sealed however I believed it contains similar amulet as in my other amulet in previous entry below :
 
 
Manuscript Specs

Item : Antique  Africa Magical Amulet / Talisman / Gris-gris
Content : A complete amulet based on a complete Quran
Dim : 16.0cm x 10.0cm x 1.0cm
Date : 18th century
Copyist : anonymous
Origin :  Africa
Calligraphy : Sudani
Design : Magical Square with numbers
Purchased Price :US

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