Obj. ID: 3593
Sacred and Ritual Objects  Torah case wrapper, Tunisia, 19th century

The rectangularbordeauxTorah case wrapper is divided into a central vertical rectangle flanked by two square panels.

The central panel is adorned with an arch enclosing fleur-de-lis and a dedication embroidered in Hebrew square filled letters, which reads:

"קדש לה'."

"Dedicated to the Lord."                                 

The side panels are identically decorated with a symmetrical pattern depicting four foliate rhomboids set at each of the corners and point towards a central Star of David. The rhomboids enclose a rose surrounded by a wavy frame. Various flowers (four-flower motif) accompanied by stylised open hands (fig. 1) are set between the rhombuses.

The wrapper and the panels are framed with strips decorated with a pattern of open hands (hamsa), crescents (hilal), stars and flowers.

Thirteen hooks for hanging the wrapper on the Torah case are attached to its upper edge, while a strip of fringes is attached to its bottom.  

426052.DOC