Large, antique Turkoman written amulet case (tumar), from the Teke group, late 19th century 4.5 x 3.25 inches
In the shape of a mountain, or triangle, both highly symbolic to the nomadic Turkoman people, these amulets were designed to carry texts intended to ward off dangers of all kinds. The texts came "from the Koran, or incantations from magical books handed down from the Middle Ages" according to Johannes Kalter, author of "The Arts and Crafts of Turkestan" one of my favorites of many books on Turkoman jewelry and more.
Islam had reached the larger Central Asian towns, where amulets were discourages, but beliefs among the nomadic tribes remained more influenced magical forces of nature that most impacted their lives.
Carnelian, coral, any red stone or red glass - the color was more important to them than the material - were believed to prevent bleeding, wounds, and miscarriages, and thus played an important role in the talismanic jewelry designed to support the survival of these nomadic groups.
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