The plaquette “Allah” is the work of the Dagestani jeweler and artist Manaba Magomedova. Her craftsmanship is based on the historical traditions of Caucasian goldsmiths, but the creator’s style and experiments with form, technique and decorative patterns turn her works into striking pieces of modern art. Manaba Omarovna used all types of silver and other metals, precious and semi-precious stone inlaying, hot enamel and artistic painting. Her works always reveal distinctive spirit and implication, and many of her pieces are dedicated to religious themes.
The “Allah” plaquette is made in a mixed media technique of transparent enamel. From right to left is an inscription “Allah” in Arabic, made up of silver wires. Today, jewelers use silver wire as overlays and firmly fuse it into the transparent enamel layer. In a unique work by Manaba Magomedova, the silver wire element shines through the enamel. The name of Allah is an independent prayer in Islam. The Almighty has 99 names altogether, and a Muslim needs to know them all. The believer glorifies God by each name and acknowledges that Allah is everywhere and in everything.
The scope of works by Manaba Magomedova is very wide. It includes jewelry (bracelets, rings and necklaces), book covers, utensils (jugs, dishes, bowls, cups), weapons, and decorative chandeliers of large and small shapes. The word “plaquette” comes from the French word which means a small plaque. It is a small souvenir medal, which is used as a commemorative or sacred object.
Manaba Magomedova’s works were exhibited at more than a hundred international exhibitions; she represented Russia at international seminars more than once. Her solo exhibitions were held in different cities of the world, her works received awards from different countries including gold, silver and bronze medals of the All-Union Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy of the USSR. Manaba Magomedova’s works are kept in dozens of national and international museums, including the State Historical Museum, the Armory, the Museum of Oriental Art, the Ethnographic Museum in St. Petersburg, the National Museum of Georgia and the Albrecht Dürer Museum in Germany.
The “Allah” plaquette is made in a mixed media technique of transparent enamel. From right to left is an inscription “Allah” in Arabic, made up of silver wires. Today, jewelers use silver wire as overlays and firmly fuse it into the transparent enamel layer. In a unique work by Manaba Magomedova, the silver wire element shines through the enamel. The name of Allah is an independent prayer in Islam. The Almighty has 99 names altogether, and a Muslim needs to know them all. The believer glorifies God by each name and acknowledges that Allah is everywhere and in everything.
The scope of works by Manaba Magomedova is very wide. It includes jewelry (bracelets, rings and necklaces), book covers, utensils (jugs, dishes, bowls, cups), weapons, and decorative chandeliers of large and small shapes. The word “plaquette” comes from the French word which means a small plaque. It is a small souvenir medal, which is used as a commemorative or sacred object.
Manaba Magomedova’s works were exhibited at more than a hundred international exhibitions; she represented Russia at international seminars more than once. Her solo exhibitions were held in different cities of the world, her works received awards from different countries including gold, silver and bronze medals of the All-Union Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy of the USSR. Manaba Magomedova’s works are kept in dozens of national and international museums, including the State Historical Museum, the Armory, the Museum of Oriental Art, the Ethnographic Museum in St. Petersburg, the National Museum of Georgia and the Albrecht Dürer Museum in Germany.
