Obj. ID: 37572
Sacred and Ritual Objects Amulet, Ukraine, circa 1900
The following description was prepared by William Gross:
This is an example of a type of inexpensive, easily cast lead amulet that has only recently come to light. The disovery came because of extensive use of metal detectors by amateur explorers in the FSU, primarily in the Ukraine, where such amulets have been uncovered in both quantity and variety. In the Gross Family Collection there are more than 60 different variations. It is clear that they were a very popular protective talisman, worn by numberous Jewish children.
This shield shape amulet has the letter "Heh" on the obverse with a bird holding flowers in its beak. Above the "Heh" is a crown., with a Hebrew inscription with the "growth" formula around the perimeter. The reverse carries a Hebrew inscription of "yehi Ratzon...." in parallel horizontal lines.