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This small collection of eight wooden amulets show a variety of traditional forms and shapes used for centuries in the Himalayan mountains. The ones presented here originate from Afghanistan. Some have a deep patina and all show the signs of many years of actual use, such as smoothly worn out rope holes (see pictures 7, 8, 11, 12, 26, 27). The amulets were purchased in Kabul in the 1970’s but date from the early 1900’s or even earlier.

Such amulets were atttached to an animal's neck in order to protect it from the evil eye, from illness and accidents. While some amulets are purely carved with good luck and fertility symbols other have a small, multiple folded piece of paper inserted in a hole in the wood; the hole is then closed with a wooden peg, wax, and/or other materials. Such a paper was inscribed (frequently by a Mullah) with quotations, symbols or formulas from handbooks of magic or from the Koran. When an animal died or was slaughtered, the amulet (paper) was not carelessly thrown away but was, for example, put into a stream to be carried away by the pure element of water. A new amulet prayer was then written and inserted in the hanger and used again. Frembgen (1989) distinguishes seven shapes of the wooden containers: 1. round disc; 2. leaf; 3. rectangle; 4. slate; 5. bell; 6. mihrab; 7. wedge.

Reference: Frembgen, J. W. (1989). Amulette für Rinder: Ethnographisches Material aus Afghanistan und Pakistan. Baessler-Archiv, Neue Folge, 37, p. 401-413.

The amulets weigh from 36 - 113 grammes each, 480 grammes together. The biggest two amulets are 12x7x3 cm (pictures 9-12), and 11.5x8.5x3 cm (pictures 4-8). The smallest amulet measures 8.5x5x2.5 cm (pictures 15 and 16). They are made of different types of wood, ranging in colour from dark brown with patina, to lighter brown with dirt (pictures 13 and 14).

(Objects will be sent with track and trace and insured)

Good condition, used

Collection of Wooden Cattle / Animal Amulets - Afghanistan - Early 20th Century

Indian & Islamic Art

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Asian art and objects

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Material

Silver

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Condition

Good condition

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Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes

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Good condition - used with some signs of wear

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Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear

Very good condition, see description

Good condition, see description

Non-functioning/ For restoration

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As new - unused

Extras

No extra's

Period

Early 20th century

Late 20th century

20th century

Mid 20th century

British Raj (1858-1947)

Mughal Empire (1526-1857)

21st century

2000-2010

Late Ottoman period

Qajar dynasty (1796–1925)

1950-1960

Paleogene, Eocene (56 - 33.9 million years)

Maratha Empire (1674-1818)

Mughal Dynasty – III (1627 - 1857)

The British Raj (1858 – 1947)

1940-1950

1970-1980

1980-1990

1800-1850

1700-1750

1750-1800

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19th century

Certification

No laboratory report

Style

Antique

Antique inspired

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Signature

Original

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Colour

Multicolour

1900-2000

1400-1900

After 2000

Provenance

Private Collection

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Late 20th century - Aluminium, Copper, Wood - Good condition

Bajot Bajath Hindu Pooja Table / Pedestal - India  (No Reserve Price)

Late 20th century - Good condition

JAMBYA - KOUMMYA Berber - Morocco  (No Reserve Price)

Late 20th century - Bronze - Good condition

Bronze female figure - India / Pakistan  (No Reserve Price)

Wool and silk on cotton -  Professionally cleaned  - Uzbekistan - 21st century

Suzane Rug - Kelim - 190 cm - 150 cm - Sofa,Table,Wall,Bedcovers

Mid 20th century - Bone, Brass, Leather, Steel, Wood - Fair condition

Dagger - kukri - Nepal  (No Reserve Price)

Sculpture, Ardhanarishvara - 62 cm! - mid 20th c. - 62 cm - Bronze

2000-2010 - Bronze - Good condition

Image 27 cm Ganesha with 4 arms - India  (No Reserve Price)

Late 20th century - Mother of pearl, Wood - Good condition

3x Box of Masaico - Egypt  (No Reserve Price)

 Singing bowl - Different metals - 1980-1990 - Etched, five metals 

Good condition - 5 cm

Bowl with engraved deities - Brass - India - 19th century

Good condition - 19 cm

Kabyle pot - Terracotta - Algeria - First half of the 20th century

Indian & Islamic Art

This object is no longer available, but there’s still lots to explore

Collection of Wooden Cattle / Animal Amulets - Afghanistan - Early 20th Century

Popular in Indian & Islamic Art

165 objects

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Indian & Islamic Art

This object is no longer available, but there’s still lots to explore

Collection of Wooden Cattle / Animal Amulets - Afghanistan - Early 20th Century

Popular in Indian & Islamic Art

165 objects

Related collections