H x W x D: 4.4 x 5.4 x 3.2 cm (1 3/4 x 2 1/8 x 1 1/4 in.)
Type:
Jewelry
Geography:
Mogadishu, Somalia
Date:
Early-mid 20th century
Label Text:
In Somalia, specialists write verses from the Koran on small pieces of paper that are then tightly wrapped and placed in hollow amulets. The local name of these containers, hersi, literally means "protection," and that is an amulet's purpose: to promote health and well-being. Silver is the preferred metal of peoples in East Africa. In this example, the container takes the form of a rectangular box.
Most of the silver- and goldwork on the Somalian coast is done by a guild of silversmiths and goldsmiths considered an artisan caste. It is believed that Somali jewelers were inspired by Arabian and Indian prototypes.
Description:
Hollow rectangular silver alloy box with five suspension loops and floral and leaf repoussé design with three conical projections in the middle.
Provenance:
Ambassador and Mrs. John Loughran, acquired Mogadishu, Somalia, 1975 to 1976
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
