Lucky Charms of Djibouti

Djibouti's Afar and Issa (Somali) peoples are overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim with a strong tradition of Islamic protective amulets. The evil eye is universally feared: blue beads, kohl on children, and Quranic verses are standard protection. Tasbih prayer beads are carried by virtually all adults. Marabout-produced leather amulet cases containing protective Quranic verses are worn by children and adults.

The Afar people's protective tradition also involves specific plant preparations and animal-derived protective items used by traditional healers. Coffee, which grows nearby in Ethiopia, is consumed in elaborate ceremonies that bless the household and its guests.