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

Name of Object:

Attaswirah (Amulet)

Location:

Muscat, Oman

Holding Museum:

National Museum Oman

About National Museum Oman, Muscat

Date of Object:

14th century AH / 20th century AD

Museum Inventory Number:

2013,3331

Material(s) / Technique(s):

Stylised copper figure with chased designs

Dimensions:

Length: 5cm, Width: 2.1cm, Weight: 4.3g

Period / Dynasty:

Al-Busaid

Provenance:

Northern Oman

Description:

The representation of living things is an ancient tradition expressed in prehistoric cave paintings and rock etchings throughout Oman. In the Islamic era stylised representations of domesticated and wild animals, humans and jinni (spirits or demons) figures have continued to find use as integral components of Oman’s artisanal heritage. Abstract representations of the human hand (sometimes referred to as "the hand of Fatima") are used as a talismanic motif in Omani silver jewellery and are seen in Bedouin weavings. Other talismanic depictions include tiny engraved figures representing captive female spirits and abstract male and female figures worn as protective amulets by young children.

How Object was obtained:

Ministry of Heritage and Culture Collection

Citation of this web page:

 "Attaswirah (Amulet)" in Explore Islamic Art Collections. Museum With No Frontiers, 2026.
https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;EPM;on;Mus21;29;en

Copyedited by: Valerie Pulsifer

MWNF Working Number: OM1 29