Cheikel (amulet holder)
Date1880-1920
Object GeographyCentral Asia
MediumSilver, gold, carnelian, leather
Dimensions24 x 5 7/8 x 3/4 in. (61 x 14.9 x 1.9 cm)
Pouch: 5 x 5 7/8 x 3/4 in. (12.7 x 14.9 x 1.9 cm)
Pouch: 5 x 5 7/8 x 3/4 in. (12.7 x 14.9 x 1.9 cm)
ClassificationsMetalwork
Credit LineGift of Mr. Stephen Van C. Wilberding, 2009
Object numberSN11187.3
The Turkomen designed amulets related to the age of the wearer, to ward off the evils specific to that age group. The cheikel was the special amulet for older women. In contrast to the tumar amulets, the shape of the cheikel Koran holder is solidly geometric, yet still fully ornamented with similar motifs and patterns. Only one side of the leather strap is decorated with carnelians, since it was worn slung diagonally across the body.
On View
Not on viewCollections
first half of 20th Century
1880-1920
1880-1920
1880-1920
1880-1920
early 20th Century
early 20th century
1880-1920
1880-1920
1880-1920
first half of 20th Century
first half of 20th Century