Obj. ID: 36633
Sacred and Ritual Objects Amulet, Iran, circa 1890
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.
This is one of a group of large round flat amulets from Iran. These are larger than the norm and usually quite beautifully inscribed with a finely engraved Hebrew script. Usually a Magen David is engraved on the front with the name of the owner within, and the 42-letter name of God is engraved around the perimeter. In this example, the name of the original owner is engraved in the Magen David, and a later owner's name is inscribed on the back. The deep grooves worn into the two hanging loops on the top are evidence of the constant use of the amulet by two women.
Inscription: (42 letter name).......