Speaking of talismanic stuff

[fernando]

These are the so called ARRAS, something said to come from Roman times, still in use in Spain and Mexico.
Among several interpretations, they were/are offered by the groom to the bride, to pay for her virginity ... or a way to ensure safety and stability in the weding, towards sharing and strenghtening the couple material wellfare.
In other versions they were/are delivered by the groom's godparents during the proposal cerimony.
The set is composed of thirteen 'coins'; one per each month of the year and the 'extra' one to symbolize being able to share the couple's wealth with those more needed.
One face says 'God unites and blesses' and the other says 'Matrimonial Arras'.
This particular set is in silver (17 m/m pieces), probably from the 19th century, featuring an earlier design. The silver chest was a recent aquisition.


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[junker]

Hi,
talsimans will be an nice topic.

I got these two triangular silver things, which might be a kind of ordinary jewelery or a containers to keep papers with magic spells.
The dealer say it came from a chinese bride dress but i will put it in the northern african or caucasian region but i have no concrete idea about this.

Dirk

[fernando]

What are the measurements, Dirk ?
Is that a silver hallmark ? Can you post a close picture of it?

[Richard G]

The trinket to the right seems to have what could be a depiction of a bee in the middle. The trinket to the left seems to bear a letter(s) that could be Coptic or Hebrew. This would suggest a Christian or Jewish origin rather than Islamic, but nevertheless, I would suggest they are Arab.
Regards
Richard

[junker]

Hello,
the mesurement is 6 cm each side and yes it is maybe a halmark, but even with a magnifierer I could not see anything.
On sundy I can make more pictures of the rear side also
best
Dirk

[junker]

Hi,
as promissed, here are the better photos of the chiffre, which maybe can be
decrypted by anyone.
Dirk