Obj. ID: 37589
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 is an example of a round "Heh' type amulet created for a male child to be hung around his neck on a string or chain for protection of the newly born child. The amulet is quite damaged. Much of the inscription on the obverse surrounding the center is missing and the nature of the inscription is as yet unidentified. In the center of the obverse there appear two rampant lions and between them a schematic representation of the Temple Menorah. Unusually there is no Heh letter on this cast piece. In a rare form the two rampant lions are standing with their heads pointed outwards rather than facing each other. On the reverse is an inscription around the perimeter of the prayer Yehi Ratzon. In spite of all the damage the original hanging loop has survived.