Obj. ID: 51443
Sacred and Ritual Objects  Amulet, Germany, 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 very esthetic amulet was written in Germany.  When its use was finished, it was put into the Genizah of the synagogue in Westheim in Bavaria, where it was found about 35 years ago.  This example shows clearly how such amulets were folded, place in some sort of enclosure and kept in the owners clothing or purse. The inscriptions indicate that the purpose of the amulet is a general protection for the bearer.  Some of the inscriptions are written in micrographic script. In the very center is a six celled magic square with Hebrew letters of one of the names of Lilith. The scribe who wrote this amulet possessed an excellent esthetic sensibility. The large letters around the perimiter and around the magic square in the center are all names of protective angels.