Obj. ID: 54006
Sacred and Ritual Objects Shemirah leha-Yeled, Tripoli, 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 the 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.
The amulet is printed with decorative borders typical of the time. Among many other inscriptions, the names of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs are printed on the amulet, as well as the "Shir le-Ma’alot” (Psalm 121) prayer and specific formulas aimed at thwarting the evil influence of Lilith. The invocation of the names of the three angels, Sanoi, Sansanoi and Samangalaf, printed here, are aimed at the same protection. It is stated that this birth amulet is according to the tradition of the Ba'al Shem Tov. This form of amulet was printed in several cities in Central and Eastern Europe. However, in this instance, the amulet is printed on the back of a page from a Hebrew calendar from 1929 printed in Libya, illustrating the growing European influence in North Africa in the 20th century.
PRINTED ON the back of a page from a Hebrew calendar from 1929, this is AN AMULET OF THE BEST FOR THE CHILD.