Talismanic Devices and Imbuements on Islamic Arms

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

I hesitate to add that we are also going around in circles !!

The question of dots is hardly touched here but the general Talisman focuss I think is well being advanced>> The mathematical wizardry involved in astrology we have hardly noted yet it is vast and pulls in all the mysterious Talisman and magical wonders described by my illustration of the Swordsman built from a star chart in Persia in the early11thC.

Shown below;from the Suwar al-kawakib al-thabita of al-Sufi dated1009-10

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

For a final thrust from the side of proof and discussion looking from the Ottoman advantage I offer the book of Iznic Patterns from more than 10 of the worlds finest museums and 650 plus diagrams and pictures where the chinthimani/ cintimanii gets two full pages dedicated to patterns of Iznic ceramics. The period is known as RHODEAN and covers the early 17th C in artisan production there.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Here is the book I spoke about above > and the early 17thC Rhodian period patterns; Chintamani

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

KOUMIYYA with hand in silver(Hand of Fatima) decorating and protecting the weapon from evil; Moroccan superstition is bang up to date in the 21st century with such myths and legends and tradition is alive with ancient beliefs.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

KOUMIYYA with hand in silver(Hand of Fatima) decorating and protecting the weapon from evil; Moroccan superstition is bang up to date in the 21st century with such myths and legends and tradition is alive with ancient beliefs.

This is a great representation of the use of the hand in Islamic talisman context. While this theme seems to be present broadly through the Dar al-Islam, it does seem to be represented in other manner geometically as in the shape of a triangle. In Central Asia this become a device known as the "Afghan Amulet' (if I recall there is a book by that title) which was used in similar context.
In the Sahara, the Kabyles used the triangular shape in a linear fashion on their familiar 'flyssa' swords and these along with other devices were intended in apotropaic fashion in the 'folk' religions nominally aligned with Islamic Faith.

These traditions extend through the Maghreb which of course include Morocco, and much of the Berber sphere.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Here is the book I spoke about above > and the early 17thC Rhodian period patterns; Chintamani

This is truly an intriguing look into use of the 'cintamani' device so well known in 'Oriental' textiles applied in the design motifs on this pottery. From what I understand the term Iznic refers to the town in the 'Asia Minor' regions (Western Anatolia) and as well noted, the pottery they were known for.
The Ottoman empire of course transmitted this as well as many such artistic influences through their trade and colonization.

Excellent perspective in a venue I had not thought of, and well illustrates the many aspects of material culture outside the arms context which can help us learn more on the markings we find on them .