Sebe

Back to all glossary items

A amulet or charm of Muslim origin, usually consisting of an extract from the Qur'an or sacred diagram, folded up and sewn into a rectangular case made of leather and ornamented with raffia strips and leather buttons. In the 19th century they were also sometimes embellished with silver. Worn on a leather string around the neck or alternatively sewn on to a country cloth gown or cap. The term also applies to amulets made from the horns of animals: these were likewise sometimes decorated with silver.