Silver and carnelian bracelet
British Museum Afghanistan selection, 2011
The design of this bracelet was inspired by the traditional prayer beads (Tasbeh) used in the region since ancient times and the silver bead symbolizes the different shaped bead often included to help with counting. It features a calligraphic impression of the poetry of Hafez, a Persian poet widely admired in the rest of the world.
Carnelian is a translucent reddish-brown gemstone which was once thought to still the blood and calm the temper. The colour can vary greatly, ranging from pale orange to an intense almost-black coloration. It is widely used in the region for prayer beads (Tasbeh) and worn by both women and men as pendants and rings, which often feature beautifully engraved calligraphy.
In ancient Egypt, polished Carnelian crystal was a favourite contrast with Onyx and Lapis Lazuli used in collars and necklaces designed for royalty. The ancient Romans were also known to use large Carnelian stones set in gold for men and women’s rings.
Poetry translation
Hafez: Lost Jospeh (From Persian)
Your lost Joseph will return to Canaan, do not grieve
This house of sorrows will become a garden, do not grieve
Oh grieving heart, you will mend do not despair
This frenzied mind will return to calm, do not grieve
When the spring of life again sets in the meadows
A crown of flowers you will bear, singing bird, do not grieve
If these turning epochs do not move with our will today
The spheres of time are not constant, do not grieve
Lose hope not, for awareness cannot perceive the concealed
Behind the curtains hidden scenes play, do not grieve
Oh heart, should a flood of destruction engulf the world
If Noah is at your helm, do not grieve
As you step through the desert in desire of Ka’aba
The thorns may reproach you, do not grieve
Home may be perilous and destination out of reach
But there are no paths without an end, do not grieve
Our state in separation from friends and with demands of foes
The divine who turns circumstance knows all, do not grieve
Please note that depending on the design, size and finish of a piece, only fragments of the words may be visible.
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