Ancient Chest of Amulets

23 February 2024
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At the foot of the Kopetdag Mountains, there is a traditional dwelling – a yurt. The place there is wonderful, clean springs, rich harvests and hospitable residents... But I, as an ethnographer and researcher of material culture, am interested in protective and magical objects in the decorative and applied arts of the Turkmen. And in the house, there is a whole treasure of magical objects – an old decorated chest.

As the villagers say, sandyk (Turkmen) had a special place in the wedding rites of the Turkmen people. Ancient family relics, in particular amulets and talismans, protected the owner of the chest. Many peoples of the world use amulets, and women often feel more protected with them.

Ajap BAYRIYEVA,
an ethnographer. Photo: the author
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