Long before face masks, Islamic healers tried to ward off disease with their version of PPE

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Christiane Gruber does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. University of Michigan provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation US. View all partners Just as many now don face masks and do breathing exercises to protect against COVID-19 – despite debate around the science behind such practices – so too did the Islamic world turn to protective devices and rituals in premodern times of trouble. From the 11th century until around the 19th century, Muslim cultures witnessed the use of magic bowls, healing necklaces and other objects in hopes of warding off drought, famine, floods and even epidemic diseases. Many of these amulets and talismans are beautifully crafted objects, and so are of interest to art historians such as myself. And while they are now largely seen as relics of folk belief and superstition, in

Faithful in many religions, including Islam, may turn to healing amulets like necklaces and other small objects in difficult times. Yawar Nazir/Getty Images https://theconversation.com/long-before-face-masks-islamic-healers-tried-to-ward-off-disease-with-their-version-of-ppe-138409 https://theconversation.com/long-before-face-masks-islamic-healers-tried-to-ward-off-disease-with-their-version-of-ppe-138409 Link copied Share article Share article Copy link Email Bluesky Facebook WhatsApp Messenger LinkedIn X (Twitter) Print article Just as many now don face masks and do breathing exercises to pr

Long before face masks, Islamic healers tried to ward off disease with their version of PPE

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