Obj. ID: 36185
Sacred and Ritual Objects Amulet, Iran, circa 1940
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.
Cut into the shape of a round flower, this amulet is chased in a very pleasing design and cut with a deckled edge. The round form with the multi-petaled flower represent the eye, in and of itself a defense against the evil eye. The inscription is carried out in the hollow letters so typical of Iranian amulets. It seems to be for general protection, and there may be a name represented "Nimoach bat Ruti Shiri", but it is not entirely clear.
Inscription: Tzurtak