Obj. ID: 36637
Sacred and Ritual Objects Amulet, Italy, circa 1775
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 an unusual Italian amulet, decorated with C-scrolls and other elements of 18th-century baroque style. Two magic names have been inscribed on the two sides by repousse lettering. There is a door in the bottom of the amulet for the insertion of the parchment.
This amulet belongs to a group of amulets present in almost all Italian Jewish homes, even to this day. They were hung over the crib of a newly-born infant for protection from the Evil Eye or spirits.
Inscription: Shadai Agla