Art objects and human artifacts have various uses over the millennia. In addition to their daily or decorative uses, human artifacts have also been used in other ways, such as a means of communicating with superhuman and celestial forces, or forces that intervene in human destiny, and for the purpose of gaining trust and seeking goodness, healing, and health from these forces; as well as warding off evil, calamity, and misfortune. These beliefs are rooted in the culture, myths, and rituals of various ethnic groups. In fact, these objects and artifacts have been used as talismans and amulets. These works, most of which are also considered masterpieces of Islamic art, have spread across cultures worldwide. The world's major museums house a collection of these works. One of these places is the Aga Khan Museum of Islamic Art in Toronto.
This museum is important because it houses a variety of works of Islamic art that can serve as research topics for different approaches. One of the important topics that can be examined, analyzed, and reflected on in some of the works of this museum is the use of objects as talismans and amulets, formed and made according to the religious beliefs of Muslims (and the religious roots of their predecessors). In fact, the function of these objects and handmade artifacts has been used as talismans and amulets. The purpose of this research is to answer these questions: What is the diversity of works related to talismans and amulets stored in the Aga Khan Museum like, and what concepts and uses did they have in terms of belief and artistic creativity? The use of these works has been to seek goodness and healing, to seek divine help, and to ward off calamity. In terms of form and aesthetics, because they have been associated with God, Imams, and religious beliefs, an attempt has been made to imbue them with the desired perfection and various artistic methods. The research method is descriptive-analytical, and in some cases, it has been adapted to similar works in other museums. The method of collecting information is the library.
Given the research topic and application of selected objects kept in the Aga Khan Museum of Islamic Art that are related to talismans and amulets, it is necessary to be familiar with the concepts of talismans and amulets and the beliefs associated with them, because the purpose of making these objects is in the realm of individual and religious beliefs. A talisman is any object that has the power to protect, as well as attract good and supportive forces and repel evil forces, calamities, and afflictions. Granting this power to objects is based on the religious and cultural beliefs of each people and nation. All cultures have manifestations of these objects and artistic-applied works. In Islamic culture and civilization, these objects have many uses and, in addition to preserving the beliefs of their predecessors, have also been imbued with Islamic beliefs. These works are generally inscribed or engraved with Quranic inscriptions, sayings, and hadiths of the infallible prophets and imams, religious narrations, and special and symbolic signs. Many Muslims believe that any artificial object bearing the word God (Allah) in any way, either alone or in combination with other words, protects and protects whoever reads, touches, or sees it. In fact, the word of God itself has the power to ward off evil and demons. These protective objects are often known and used as amulets, talismans, or charms. Their surfaces can be covered with prayers, symbols, numbers, and decorative designs, and they can be carried or placed in a special place. Some amulets are worn as healing garments or as battle gear.
The most effective amulets, charms, and talismans are written with prayers that carry the Asma al-Husna or names of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Ahl al-Bayt and the Infallibles (PBUH); the ninety-nine names of Allah, verses from the Quran, and the sayings of the Prophet (PBUH) have become texts that are taken as good omens. Talismans inscribed with the names of prophets and religious figures can protect an individual or family. The use of a talisman is, in fact, a magical and enchantment act, and in the magical worldview, the need for a magical act increases when a misfortune, illness, or disaster occurs, or in its positive view, a good purpose, such as healing or good wishes, is urgently needed in its application. Therefore, talismans and amulets can have three main uses: warding off calamity and evil; attracting positive forces; and fulfilling human needs and desires.
Talismans and amulets, whether in the form of primitive constructions (with natural objects, such as special stones, plants, or animals) or artificial objects and artifacts, have been created through magic, sorcery, and the beliefs of different ethnic groups and cultures. In the Islamic era, religious beliefs and belief in the grace and divine vision of imams and religious leaders overcame magical beliefs and diminished them. In this regard, works were created that used various arts to enhance quality and beauty, to attract the attention of believers and people who sought them, and, on the other hand, to exert greater influence and power over divine and extraterrestrial forces. Another important reason for the quality construction of these objects was their customers. Writing Quranic verses, divine names, prayers, hadiths, and the words of prophets and imams on high-quality objects enhances their reverence, efficacy, and ability to fulfill desires, resulting in exquisite works of art and artistic masterpieces found in private collections and major museums, such as the Aga Khan Museum of Islamic Art. The function of the talismanic works at the Aga Khan Museum has been to seek goodness and healing, divine help, and to ward off calamity. In terms of form and beauty, efforts have been made to achieve the desired perfection and to employ various artistic methods, such as pottery, metalwork, textiles, calligraphy, painting, and gilding, in their creation. The talismanic examples at the Aga Khan Museum have counterparts in other museums, which can help better understand the construction and use of these works from a historical, cultural, and religious perspective. By examining and comparing these works with each other, it is observed that their use is based on a common thought and belief, which is to attract the forces of good and healing and repel the forces of evil, calamity, and misfortune, both individually and collectively.