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Pendant with Lion and Scorpion

10th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 453
This circular metal pendant is believed to be a talisman, an object that provides protection for the wearer. The pseudo-writing on this pendant, though illegible, resembles the Arabic phrase that translates to, "There is no god but God." It is thought it had talismanic power because belief in this concept is one of the basic tenets of Islam. It has been suggested that the lion and scorpion represent the Zodiac symbols of Leo and Scorpio, which were thought to give their owners protection. But why these two signs in particular are found on so many objects is still unclear. The inclusion of esoteric symbols and images is what sets this pendant apart from later Islamic talismans, when signs with more specifically Islamic connotations, especially legible quotations from the Qur’an or magic squares with letters representing the names of God, became more common.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Pendant with Lion and Scorpion
  • Date: 10th century
  • Geography: Found Iran, Nishapur
  • Medium: Bronze; cast
  • Dimensions: Diam. 15/16 in. (2.4 cm)
    Thickness. 3/16 in. (0.5 cm)
  • Classification: Metal
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1940
  • Object Number: 40.170.245
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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