Obj. ID: 36847
Sacred and Ritual Objects Amulet, Iran, circa 1920
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 arm amulet is comprised of three individual boxes linked together (the central one circular, those on the sides ovular), with a cord attached to either end. Their surfaces are filled with inscriptions using the particular script of hollow letters so popular on Iranian amulets. This an unusual shape for an arm amulet, which were produced in pairs. There are several other examples in the Gross Family Collection. The purpose of this pair to provide general protection to the wearer.