Old Box Amulet – Zār Cult buying - Egypt

Early to mid 20th century. Silver grams 33,3 (1.17 oz.). The triangular amulet is cm. 6,8 high x cm. 5,4 width (2.68″ x 2.13″).

These box amulet often has a sheet buying of papers which is written in Arabic, one or more verses of the Quran selected by an Imam or a Marabout , curses, hatred, diseases or also to receive favors or luck.

Zār Amulet or commonly known as Zar, is a special genre in Egyptian jewellery which consists of purpose-made magical jewellery, to be used in the zar-ceremony: rites carried out mainly for women and performed to persuade a spirit to leave, thus releasing the person from the duty to obey that spirit.

Zār exorcism has become popular in contemporary urban culture of Cairo and other major cities of the Islamic world as a form of women-only entertainment. Zār gatherings involve food and musical performances, and they culminate in ecstatic dancing, lasting between three and seven nights.

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