Journal Article

Multianalytical Study of Amuletic and Talismanic Islamic‐African Paper Manuscripts in the Slovene Ethnographic Museum

Strlič, Matija, Oujja, Mohamed, Rehar, Žiga, Ameen, Ahmed, Castillejo, Marta, Maestro‐Guijarro, Laura, Crespo Ibáñez, Ana, Elnaggar, Abdelrazek, Mahgoub, Hend, Sánchez‐Cortés, Santiago, María Carmona‐Quiroga, Paula, Frelih, Marko, Kos, Gregor

2025

Overview

In contrast to its European counterpart, Islamic papermaking is still little researched, especially in scientific and conservation contexts. This study presents the first in‐depth material analysis of a unique collection of Islamic‐African amulets and talismans from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, held at the Slovene Ethnographic Museum. This research employed a multi‐analytical approach that included pH measurements, analysis of fibrous materials, iodine test for the presence of starch, hyperspectral imaging (HSI), FTIR‐ATR, Raman spectroscopy, laser‐induced fluorescence (LIF), and laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), as well as cultural interpretations. Twelve selected manuscripts were examined to characterize paper, inks, dyes, and calligraphic features. The results showed the use of iron gall inks, plant‐based dyes, and mixed paper fibers (straw and softwood pulp), suggesting a mixture of local and imported materials from the colonial period. The calligraphic and decorative styles reflect a synthesis of orthodox Qur’an and local West African Sufi traditions, often incorporating protective texts, magic squares, and regional variants of Kufic script. The findings shed light on technological aspects of Islamic manuscript production in West Africa and support the informed conservation, display, and interpretation of these culturally and spiritually significant objects. This research sets a precedent for comparative heritage studies and enhances the understanding of Islamic material culture in African contexts. The image illustrates a multi‐technique analysis of Islamic‐African manuscripts from the nineteenth to twentieth centuries. It highlights methods like microscopy, hyperspectral imaging, FTIR, LIF, Raman, LIBS, and furnish analysis used to study paper fibers, inks, and dyes—revealing a blend of local and trade materials and a rich fusion of Qur’anic and West African traditions.

• Subject: fiber furnish analysis / hyperspectral imaging / iron gall ink / Islamic papermaking / organic dyes / paper and ink analysis / Raman spectroscopy / spectroscopic techniques