This item has been added to the Database within the Explore Islamic Art Collections project. Information is available in: English, Arabic.

Name of Object:

Hirz (Necklace) with Qur’an case

Location:

Muscat, Oman

Holding Museum:

National Museum Oman

About National Museum Oman, Muscat

Date of Object:

14th century AH / early 20th century AD

Museum Inventory Number:

2012,883

Material(s) / Technique(s):

Silver with geometric and silver leaf designs

Dimensions:

Length: 30.6cm, Weight: 152.9g

Period / Dynasty:

Al-Busaid

Provenance:

Northern Oman

Description:

The iconic hirz (necklace) with Qur’an case is imbued with religious significance, having as its central feature a rectangular or cylindrical box in which protective verses from the Noble Qur’an are kept. Qur’an cases may be simply strung on a silver chain or rope or featured as part of a much larger necklace as seen here with silver beads, coins and amuletic pendants. Smaller cases are also used as hair ornaments and incorporated in headdresses.

How Object was obtained:

Ministry of Heritage and Culture Collection

Citation of this web page:

 "Hirz (Necklace) with Qur’an case" in Explore Islamic Art Collections. Museum With No Frontiers, 2026.
https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;EPM;on;Mus21;16;en

Copyedited by: Valerie Pulsifer

MWNF Working Number: OM1 16