POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

War amulets طلسم جنگی

Object No. A5833

This pair of talismanic circular silver armband amulets (bazuband) was handcrafted in 19th-century Persia (Iran), probably under the patronage of a wealthy Qajar religious family, by one of the master silver makers (noqrehkar) from the city of Isfahan, known for the production of this series of crafts since the 15th century. During the Qajar era (1789-1925), many elites and aristocrats had a strong interest in acquiring or collecting similar sacred objects and accessories related to the Shiite material religion. As a result, a range of talismanic objects made of metal, stone or wood found their way into the lives of Qajar elites, and consequently similar high-quality crafts were adopted for the Persian market. These talismanic amulets are referred to as war armbands (bazuband-e jangi) because they were tied to the arms of great Persian heroes and warriors during battles. Such talismanic armbands were originally used to hold small Qurans or pages thereof, or even handwritten Islamic talismanic manuscripts considered to hold special sacred protective powers to save warriors during times of war or personal combat. Inscribed and engraved with different verses from the Holy Quran, the ninety-nine names of God Almighty (al-asma al-Husna), prayers (do’a), and magical invocations and formulas mostly in praise of Ali ibn-Abitalib (601- 661) - Imam Ali the first Shiite Imam (saint), the fourteen immaculate Shiite Saints (chahardah ma’soum), this series of Islamic sacred war objects and Shia material religion have been called in general telesm-e jangi (war talismans / war amulets) since the Safavid period (1501-1736). The magical properties of the inscribed verses from the Holy Quran and other Shia sacred formulas and related designs were considered to protect warriors from physical harm in battle. The magical, talismanic and protective nature of these amulets can be confirmed by the Quranic and talismanic verses which are engraved on the lids and sides of these beautiful objects. Engraved inscription The talismanic Shia protection inscription engraved around the side reads: نادِ عَلیاً مَظهَرَالعَجائِب تَجِدهُ عَوَناً لَکَ فِی النَوّائِب لی اِلیَ اللهِ حاجَتی وَعَلَیهِ مُعَوَّلی کُلَّما اَمَرتَهُ وَرَمَیتُ مُنقَضی فی ظِلِّ اللهِ وَیُضِلل اللهُ لی اَدعُوکَ کُلَّ هَمٍ وَغَمًّ سَیَنجَلی بِعَظَمَتِکَ یا اللهُ بِنُبُوَّتِکَ یامُحَمَّدَ بِوَلایَتِکَ یاعَلِیُّ یاعَلِیُّ یاعَلِیُّ. “Call Ali, who is Manifestor of wonders, Thou shall surely find him helper in your difficulties, all grief and sorrow shall be removed. I submit my temporal wishes to Thee on whom I trust and always referred Thee to bestow fulfillment of temporal wishes. O! Having Thee bestowed support, O! Thee Appointed Wali, All grief and Sorrows will disappear, By Thee by Thy tremendousness O! Lord, By Thee by Thy Apostleship O! Mohammad, - Blessings of Thee on Thy Apostle & descendants, By Thee by Thy granted Power & Authority of Wali, O Ali, O Ali, O Ali.” Some of the Quranic inscriptions engraved on the top include وَإِن یکادُ الَّذِینَ کفَرُ‌وا لَیزْلِقُونَک بِأَبْصَارِ‌هِمْ لَمَّا سَمِعُوا الذِّکرَ‌ وَیقُولُونَ إِنَّهُ لَمَجْنُونٌ وَمَا هُوَ إِلَّا ذِکرٌ‌ لِّلْعَالَمِینَ. "Indeed the faithless almost devour you with their eyes when they hear this Reminder, and they say, He is indeed crazy. (51) Yet it is just a reminder for all the nations. (52)" (Quran - 68:51-51/29) Dr Pedram Khosronejad, Curator of Persian Arts, 2021

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Summary

Object Statement

War amulets, silver, engraved, Isfahan, Persia (Iran), Qajar era, 1850-1900

Physical Description

These talismanic amulets are referred to as war armbands (bazuband-e jangi) because they were tied to the arms of great Persian heroes and warriors during battles. Such talismanic armbands were originally used to hold small Qurans or pages thereof, or even handwritten Islamic talismanic manuscripts considered to hold special sacred protective powers to save warriors during times of war or personal combat.

DIMENSIONS

Height

20 mm

Width

96 mm

PRODUCTION

Notes

This pair of talismanic circular silver armband amulets (bazuband) was handcrafted in 19th-century Persia (Iran), probably under the patronage of a wealthy Qajar religious family, by one of the master silver makers (noqrehkar) from the city of Isfahan, known for the production of this series of crafts since the 15th century.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Gift of Mrs A Edgar, 1970

Acquisition Date

29 December 1970

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