Obj. ID: 54030
  Sacred and Ritual  Shemirah le-Yeled ule-Yoledet, Casablanca, circa 1930

The following description was prepared by William Gross:

From earliest times, man has tried to protect himself from misfortune by the use of objects that 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.

There exist in the Gross family collection more amulets printed on paper from Morocco than from any other country. These were printed in several cities by various publishers, virtually all of them from the 20th century which was the time for the beginning of Hebrew printing in Morocco with few exceptions.  Many of these contained elements in common, mostly featuring the hamsa and were often printed on colored paper.

This amulet was printed for the protection of a male child.  It was sponsored by the confraternity of the prophet Eliyahu, whose goal was to provide the means for a Brit Milah for poor families. In many places in North Africa were confraternal societies called "Chevrat Eliyahu Hanavi". Such organizations were established to help with the ceremony of the Brit Milah. This society, in fez, published this printed amulet for the protection of child and mother against evil spirits.  It is filled with amuletic formulas and the names of angels, patriarchs, and matriarchs who are called upon for protection against Lilith. In Morocco, such printed amulets were often printed on colored paper.

Publisher:                        Cherbit & Hazan

Publisher:                        Chevrat Eliyahu Hanavi