Inscribed Omani Silver Disk Necklace (Kirsh Kitab) Engraved with a Djinn

This fine necklace comprises a well-made, three-strand silver chain, with elaborate hinge attachments to a round disk pendant.

The top of the pendant has a multi-part loop with worn, red glass beads at either end. It is decorated on the front  with an engraved flower or solar motif with a raised central boss. The boss and ‘petals’ are decorated in gold leaf.

The reverse of the pendant disk is engraved with seven lines of Koranic script, and a stylised anthromophoric figure, almost certainly intended to be a djinn (a spirit that in this case is benevolent). The script is from the Koran (Sura 2:255) and begins: ‘Allah – there is no God but Him…’

A similar example is illustrated in Rajab (1998, p. 63) and another is in Hoek et al (2004, p. 63).

The necklace has a lovely patina and softness from age and handling. It is very wearable and in fine condition.