Dim.: 61 x 43 cm

Whether hung on a wall or carried on the body, talismans such as this large-scale chart covered with various designs and inscriptions were believed to help secure blessings (baraka) and provide protection for individuals and places. This chart includes numerous magic squares and inscriptions inked on very thin parchment-type paper, of which the crease marks suggest that it was folded into a smaller bundle and possibly nestled within a now-lost container.
The rather translucent parchment is inscribed with a number of Quranic verses, the beautiful names of Allah (al-asma’ al-husna), talismanic numeraltables, amuletic texts dedicated to Husayn and Hasan, and a variety of prayers (du‘as).
The talisman’s textual contents, here written in miniature script, make use of parts of the Quran that are believed to be particularly apotropaic (effective at warding off evil influences). Considered an acceptable form of magic, this practice of making Quranic amulets is common across Islamic civilizations.