5 Antique Swat Valley Carved Wood Cattle Charms

This is a group of 5 antique carved wood cattle charms from Afghanistan. Tribal herdsmen would use these charms to identify their cattle and protect them with a prayer or blessing hidden inside a hole carved into the charm. Some of the charms are decorated with carved designs, but most of these are plain. The largest measures 6 3/4 inches long and 2 1/4 inches wide, the rest are about 3 inches long or less. All are in solid antique condition as shown.