Obj. ID: 37500
Sacred and Ritual Objects Amulet, Ukraine, circa 1900
The following description was prepared by William Gross:
This is an example of a type of inexpensive, easily cast lead amulet that has only recently come to light. The disovery came because of extensive use of metal detectors by amateur explorers in the FSU, primarily in the Ukraine, where such amulets have been uncovered in both quantity and variety. In the Gross Family Collection there are more than 60 different variations. It is clear that they were a very popular protective talisman, worn by numberous Jewish children.
A shield shaped cast lead "heh" amulet, not normally found. There are a few amulets of this general shape in the Gross Family collection in varied states of sharpness and readability. This example has only a "Heh" on the front. Instead of the normal inscriptions on this amulet type, this one carries the names of the patriarchs and matriarchs. It is lacking the hanging loop.
Inscription: "Heh"