Lucky Charms of Chad

Chad's predominantly Muslim population carries Islamic protective traditions layered over ancient Saharan and Sahelian folk practices. The Sara people of the south have animist traditions involving the yondo male initiation ceremony in which protective objects and scarification are used. The Arab and Toubou peoples of the north carry leather-encased Quranic amulets (hirz) as the primary protective charm.

The sultanates of central Chad — Bagirmi, Wadai, and Bornu — produced elaborate royal protective regalia including war amulets, armor inscribed with Quranic verses, and ceremonial staffs. Cowrie shells are used in traditional dress and trade. The evil eye is guarded against across most ethnic groups.