Tibeb Shield Pendant

The Ancient History

Ethiopian healing scrolls were written and illustrated by priest-scholars for a single named person, then carried or hung in the home. Each scroll was a protection talisman made for its owner alone, its geometric diagrams drawn to guard against misfortune and illness, using eye motifs that appear across the Mediterranean and North Africa in the same protective role.

This shield pendant draws its face from those diagrams, cut into a hexagonal form. The eight-point structure references the wings of four guardian archangels, and the four stones sit as watchers, a motif tied to vigilance in Ethiopian sacred art. A symbol of protection in the scroll tradition, cast as a protection amulet to be worn rather than carried.

Worn by men and women alike, it continues a lineage of Ethiopian jewelry and Habesha metalwork in which protection jewelry was made for one person, to be kept close.

Jewelry Details

Cast in solid 18k gold, yellow or white. Available stones include blue sapphire, ruby, emerald, diamond, and black diamond. Contact us for other custom stone options.

• Dimensions: 19mm tall, 22mm wide (excluding bail)
• Weight: 6.1 grams solid 18k gold (excluding stones)
• Stones: four natural 2mm round stones in your choice of gem
• Bail: fits chains up to 3mm
• Custom engraving available on the back of the pendant, $45

Made to order. Pieces require four to six weeks to produce before shipping. Worn as a protection necklace on the chain of your choosing; chain sold separately. Each gemstone is naturally sourced, so slight variation in color and tone from the images is expected.

Ethiopian Folk Art - Healing Scroll, Ethiopia, 19th or 20th century. Walters Art Museum.