Amulets of this kind are put together by Marabouts, scholars of the Qu’ran who also concern themselves with magic. A leather works makes the case, in which the Marabout then places a piece of paper bearing a sacred text. Some amulets serve to protect children from malign influences, the evil eye, the envy of other mothers, or disease. Others serve to protect the wearer’s good health.<Br>Marabouts play an important role in major events in the lives of the population of Djenné. They say prayers of supplication at births, circumcisions, weddings, and funerals. And on Islamic feast days they recite long series of blessings for the city and its inhabitants.<Br>This amulet was made in Djenné by a Marabout named Mahaman Koné.