Amulet

NameAmulet

CultureIslamic

Datemid-20th century

Place madeAfghanistan, Middle East, Asia

Place collectedKabul, Afghanistan, South Asia, Asia

MediumWood

Dimensions4 5/16 × 2 3/8 × 1 3/16 in. (11 × 6 × 3 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Robert and Luba Staller, A.2016.99.12

Object numberA.2016.99.12

DescriptionWooden amulet with a pentagon shape for the bottom and a smaller pentagon on top (somewhat pineapple-like in shape). The main body is textured with small carved triangles. The top pentagon is textured with carved lines. The top piece has a hole carved through it top attach it around the neck of an animal. The bottom piece has a small, rectangular niche carved into the back.

The donor purchased these items from a dealer in the 1970s in Kabul, Afghanistan. While they were used at the time, the donor does not believe they were terribly old when purchased and estimates them to date to the mid-20th century (purchased in Kabul).