Antique Islamic, Central Asia Silver Prayer Box, Quran Scroll Container, 61cm (24″) Cotton Cord, 24.5 Grams

This is an early 20th century, high grade silver hollow cylindrical tube talisman, amulet prayer box container, from central Asia, and similar to styles and design from Afghanistan or Pashtun. It has two sturdy suspension rings for a chain to allow the amulet to be worn as a necklace. You will note that the suspension rings are not quite even lengths from the ends of the prayer box. There are two decorated end caps - one of which opens to insert a protective prayer. It has been strung on a 61cm (24") - 3mm - tradition hand made Indian cotton cord chain with a loop closing. The two end lengths from the bales at slightly longer than each other.

The prayer box has been made from a single silver sheet (80% approx.) with stamped repousse traditional geometric designs, chasing and stylized floral decorations.

The talisman container would have held a miniature paper scroll containing a combination of prayers and Qur’anic verses, and was created for placement in an amulet box. The wearers protective amulet or manuscript are meant to have magical powers to protect the owner with an elaborate invocation asking God to protect the bearer of the amulet.

Length: 9.5 cm (3 3/4")
Height : 2.3 cm (7/8") including Bale
Width: 1.6 cm (5/8")
Bale: 6 mm
Prayer Box Weight: 24.5 Grams (0.865oz.)
Indian Black Cotton Cord Length: 61 cm (24")
Material: Tested silver high grade