Obj. ID: 3510
Sacred and Ritual Torah case wrapper, Tunisia, 1930
The rectangular Torah case wrapper has a vase motif at its center flanked by two identical cypresses all formed by geometrical bands. The vase is formed by two geometrical bands, scrolled base and handles. A flowering stem emerges from its center. A small hamsa appears near the upper right side of the vase, while a small fish appears at the left. The stem bears fleurs-de-lys, trefoil flowers, four-petal flowers, and leaves.
The side cypresses are formed by a geometrical band with a flowering stem in their center. Three elongated leaves top each cypress.
A dedicatory inscription is written in square letters tops the vase and reads:
ע"ה (עבד ה') יוסף חדאד הי"ו (האל יזכהו וישמרהו) למנוחת אשתו מרת חנינא/ נ"ע (נוחה עדן) נבל"ע (נפטרה לבית עולמה) ת' (תאריך?) כ"ו תמוז שנת תער"כ לפר"ק (לפרט קטן) ת.נ.צ.ב.ה (תהא נשמתה צרורה בצרור החיים)"
Translation: Servant of the Lord Joseph (Yoseph) Hadad may the Lord sustain him and grant him favour for the repose of his wife Mrs. Hanina/ May she rest in Eden who passed away on the 26th of Tamuz the year (5)690 = 1930/ May her soul be bound in the bond of life.
Four branches, bearing flowers and leaves, extend from the four corners of the wrapper towards the centre, framing the composition. A stripe, decorated with alternating floral and geometrical motifs, frames the wrapper.
