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Obj. ID: 36000
Sacred and Ritual Objects
  Amulet, Essaouira (Mogador), 1919

© Gross Family Collection, Photographer: Bar Hama, Ardon, -

The following description was prepared by William Gross:

From earliest times, man has tried to protect himself from misfortune by the use of objects which he considered holy or otherwise (e.g., magically) potent. Amulets and talismans are items generally worn around the neck or wrist, carried in a pocket or purse or hung on a wall. They are meant to protect or aid those who carried or wore them. The Hebrew word for amulet, kame‘a, has the root meaning "to bind". Jewish amulets are usually comprised of texts (either letters or graphic symbols) that are inscribed on some sort of material; some may also contain plant matter or precious stones. The texts of amulets usually include holy names that are believed to have the ability to affect reality, along with incantations summoning angels or other magical powers. For the most part, an amulet has a specific purpose: to ease childbirth, facilitate recovery from illness, improve one’s livelihood, and so on, but in the modern world many are also made for general protection.

 

 The use of the hamsa is ubiquitous in Morocco as a protection against the "Evil Eye". The form comes in a wide variety of shapes, styles and materials. One of the variations of the hamsa type amulet in Morocco is the so-called "Luha" style talisman. This amulet is such a type, with the "Mihrab"-shaped top with five points. This along with the five-element semi-circle below indicate the hamsa value of the talisman. The silver is engraved with scrolling motifs and a rising sun symbol at the bottom.  The most prominent feature, however, is the central engraving of the salamander, a symbol which is usually a separate cast piece which is then riveted or soldered to the amulet. The lizard, because it can grow a new tail if the old one is cut off, is a symbol of renewal. Therefore this type of hamsa served as a birth amulet. The shape and decoration indicate the probable origin in Essaouira.

Summary and Remarks
Remarks

1 image(s)

sub-set tree:

Name/Title
Amulet | Unknown
Object Detail
Monument Setting
Unknown
Date
1919
Synagogue active dates
Reconstruction dates
Artist/ Maker
Unknown
Historical Origin
Unknown
Community type
Congregation
Location
Unknown |
Site
Unknown
School/Style
Unknown|
Period
Unknown
Period Detail
Collection
Documentation / Research project
Unknown
Textual Content
Unknown |
Languages of inscription
Unknown
Shape / Form
Unknown
Material / Technique
Silver, Cut, Chased, Soldered
Material Stucture
Material Decoration
Material Bonding
Material Inscription
Material Additions
Material Cloth
Material Lining
Tesserae Arrangement
Density
Colors
Construction material
Measurements
Height: 13.8 cm, Width: 8.3 cm Weight: 61 g
Height
Length
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Diameter
Weight
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Panel Measurements
Condition
Extant
Documented by CJA
Surveyed by CJA
Present Usage
Present Usage Details
Condition of Building Fabric
Architectural Significance type
Historical significance: Event/Period
Historical significance: Collective Memory/Folklore
Historical significance: Person
Architectural Significance: Style
Architectural Significance: Artistic Decoration
Urban significance
Significance Rating
0
Ornamentation
Custom
Contents
Codicology
Scribes
Script
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Pricking
Quires
Catchwords
Hebrew Numeration
Blank Leaves
Direction/Location
Façade (main)
Endivances
Location of Torah Ark
Location of Apse
Location of Niche
Location of Reader's Desk
Location of Platform
Temp: Architecture Axis
Arrangement of Seats
Location of Women's Section
Direction Prayer
Direction Toward Jerusalem
Coin
Coin Series
Coin Ruler
Coin Year
Denomination
Signature
Colophon
Scribal Notes
Watermark
Hallmark
Year - 1338
Group
Group
Group
Group
Group
Trade Mark
Binding
Decoration Program
Suggested Reconsdivuction
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Sources
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Computer Reconstruction
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Language Editor
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Negative/Photo. No.
The following information on this monument will be completed:
Unknown |