Obj. ID: 50552
Sacred and Ritual Objects  Amulet, Azerbaijan, circa 1925

The following description was prepared by William Gross:

A long, beautifully written amulet for "Nissan the son of Leah". Towards the top of the amulet are representations of two hands that combine the Cohanic hands of the priestly blessings with the idea of the Khamsa. The particular shape, as seen both in a manuscript and a Shiviti in the Gross Family Collection, strengthens the supposition that this amulet was written in Azerbaijan. The man's name is mentioned five times, adding to the amuletic power of the amulet.  This is a particularly powerful amulet calling on all the important names to protect the boy from just about everything that could harm him.

 From the point of view of graphics, this is one of the most aesthetic amulets in the Gross Family collection. The entire length of the amulet is framed by an inscription. In addition to the image mentioned above, there are magic squares, a magic circle and angel writing. The use of color is characteristic of the area in which it was written. The Dark blue element at the top is reminiscent of decoration used in Islamic manuscripts.