The word ta'wiz, used in Urdu and Hindi comes from the Arabic word taʿwīdh, meaning "amulet" or "charm" is formed from the verb awwadha, which means "to fortify someone with an amulet or incantation."
In India, particularly in Rajasthan, a talismanic three-dimensional case is called ta'wiz. Usually engraved and embossed, the silver pendant box acts as an amulet. The precious cases can contain fragments of relics, organic materials, protective strips of leather or parchment inscribed with Quranic suras or sacred legends that operate in defence of the wearers.
This piece is inspired by the form of these ancient amulets.
