What the record shows
Gold-washed necklace of mercury-gilded metal composed of numerous box-shaped amulet pendants (tälsäm) and a bead, made in Ethiopia in the late 1800s or early 1900s. The boxes, linked to Islamic amuletic practices, were meant to ward off the evil eye or other dangers whether empty or containing magical or prayerful texts. Their fine filigree and granulation work is characteristic of Harar as well as the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian city of Aksum.
- Date
- late 1800s or early 1900s
- Object type
- gilded amulet necklace
- Recorded place
- Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, unknown silversmith
- Holding
- The Cleveland Museum of Art
- Accession
- 2025.154