Necklace and porte Koran (work of art)
Artwork Info
Key Ideas
- The silver pendant on this beaded necklace is called a porte Koran. It is designed to contain a miniature copy of the Quran, the holy book of Islam.
- This object is a symbol of dedication to the divine and respect for tradition. The materials used to make it are also symbolic. They represent purity, healing, and protection.
- This object was made hundreds of years ago in the northern region of Somalia, a country in Africa. Sunni Islam is the main religion in this area of Somalia.
Learn More
A porte Koran is a decorative case or stand designated to hold religious texts. The porte Koran on this necklace is a tube-shaped silver pendant. It serves as a container for a miniature copy of the Quran, the holy book of Islam. Wearing a porte Koran on a necklace is a form of protection that allows the wearer to be in constant contact with the divine. It also serves as a reminder of dedication and respect for tradition.
The materials used to create this necklace and porte Koran are symbolic. Silver is associated with purity, and amber (a semiprecious stone) is believed to have healing and protective qualities. Amber is often used for crafting sacred objects.
This necklace and porte Koran were created in North Somalia in the 1800s or possibly earlier. Somalia is the easternmost country on the continent of Africa. Islam, specifically Sunni Islam, is the predominant religion in the northern region of Somalia. Sunni Islam is the largest branch of Islam, also known as the traditional or mainstream branch. It emphasizes following the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad.
Porte Korans are made by hand in the form of jewelry and as wooden stands. A wooden porte Koran, or Quran reading stand, is used to display a copy of the holy book. It holds the Quran at eye level and keeps it stable, so the reader can focus on reciting or studying the verses.
Additional Resources
Resources for Teachers
- Explore a PBS LearningMedia lesson plan for teaching the basic elements of Islamic art in the classroom.
- Watch a video about the Sunni tradition in Islam.
- Visit a web page for educational resources and research guides on world religions.
Resources for Students
- View three similar objects in the NCMA collection: Necklace and porte Koran, another Necklace and porte Koran, and Circle and porte Koran beaded necklace.
- View images of similar porte Koran necklaces from Somalia.
- View an example of a porte koran in the form of a wooden stand, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Images
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Necklace and porte Koran
A tube-shaped porte Koran pendant crafted in silver, with miniature bells suspended from delicate silver chains at the bottom. The pendant hangs from a necklace made up of silver, amber, and multicolor beads in shades of red, yellow, and green.
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UNKNOWN, Necklace with porte Koran, G_76_21_7, reverse
A tube-shaped porte Koran pendant crafted in silver, with miniature bells suspended from delicate silver chains at the bottom. The pendant hangs from a necklace made up of silver, amber, and multicolor beads in shades of red, yellow, and green.