Most Circassian pieces of jewellery were not only decorative but also had a sacral meaning. They served as talismans against any negative influences. Amulet boxes (in Adyghe ei, ‘dyuah thyl’yl’’) belonged to that type of talismans, and were usually worn by Adyghe women over their national clothes.
A traditional amulet box looked like a silver pendant on a chain. The box was decorated with ancient ornaments, usually vegetal or geometrical, and encrusted with stones: carnelians, turquoise, and lapis lazuli. The Adyghe believed that those minerals had various magical powers. Inside the box, a talisman was placed: an object related to ancient magic. That is how the amulet box became not only a fine piece of jewellery, but a real talisman that protected its owner from misfortunes and even from evil forces.
A traditional amulet box looked like a silver pendant on a chain. The box was decorated with ancient ornaments, usually vegetal or geometrical, and encrusted with stones: carnelians, turquoise, and lapis lazuli. The Adyghe believed that those minerals had various magical powers. Inside the box, a talisman was placed: an object related to ancient magic. That is how the amulet box became not only a fine piece of jewellery, but a real talisman that protected its owner from misfortunes and even from evil forces.