Тавиз (амулетница).
От арабского ta`widh (очарование, амулет). Горизонтально или вертикально ориентированная пустотелая подвеска для вложения охранительных текстов со съемной крышечкой на конце. Термин используется также для обозначения подвесок аналогичной формы из металла или камня.
Old Afghan Tribal Pendant Amulet with Islamic Prayer
Afghanistan, Tajiks, early 20th century
Silver, chasing, engraving
Insert - carnelian with handmade engraving - the Parayer Nad-i-Ali
The size is 55/60/10 mm (2,1/2,3/0,4 ")
Weight - 34 g. (1,2 Oz)
The inscription on amulet contains a text of religious content, a famous Shi`a prayer.
The first line is the traditional formula "Bismillah" (with the Name of Allah the Merciful Merciful).
Next is the text of the prayer in Arabic Nad-i-Ali [1]
The inscription ends with a three-time repetition of the name Ali (علي).
The cornelian plate is set in silver, the side and back walls are decorated with engraving with floral ornament.
The stone has cracks-traces of damage, possibly from impact.
Necklaces with an amulet in the form of a rectangular container are extremely popular in the middle East and Central Asia. In Afghanistan, however, are less common than cylindrical amulets taviz. They can be opened from the side or from above, and can be tightly sealed. May contain texts from the Koran or other artifacts. Numerous ringing pendants framing the necklace also perform a protective function, driving away evil spirits with their ringing.