Ali & Hichaam Aboutaam

Art is more than just aesthetically pleasing for the viewer; it can give one details about the culture and ideology of a place too.  This is especially the case with Islamic art and the world of Islam.  One can use Islamic art to see how Muslims view the world and their relationship to it.  Since Muslims are not allowed to engage in any form of idol-worship, Islamic art has to reflect that sensitivity and thus any depictions of animals or humans that might lead to such worship are forbidden.  Hence the art is centered more around floral, calligraphic, arabesque and geometric forms.  Today, on sale at e-Tiquities is a pair of Islamic gold bracelets, each of which has two twisted wires; a thick and smooth one and a thin and granulated ornamented one.  Both bracelets (which actually form a pair) have turquoise tiles in a heart shape and are identical.  They were probably worn by someone who was quite affluent given the fine materials and great craftsmanship used.