Obj. ID: 35804 Amulet, Yemen, circa 1910
sub-set tree:
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 object is an amulet case that was used for a necklace, which would usually contain an inscribed Hebrew amulet from paper or parchment, rolled to fit in the silver case. This example carries an oval piece of silver between the hanging loops, on which is inscribed the name of the maker in Hebrew, an indication of 19th century crafts and earlier. Such large amulet cases were often a part of silver necklaces made for the adornment of Jewish brides. Yemenite Jewish silversmiths specialized in making filigree items, including many items of jewelry. Jews were the artisans of fine metal work in Yemen.