Obj. ID: 36746 Amulet, Iran, circa 1900
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.
There exists a sub-group among the round silver amulets of Iran. These are larger than the norm and usually quite beautifully inscribed with a finely-engraved Hebrew script. They also generally carry the name of the person for whom they were made. This large round amulet has in concentric circles an elegantly engraved inscription in hollow letters of the 42-letter name of God followed by initials of words of praise of the Lord. This is followed by several other "names".This formula that is the initial letters of the 42-words of the prayer "Ana Ba-koach" has been in use since the first century. In the center is inscribed the name of the woman for whom this amulet was made. There are a number of these large round amulets in the Gross Family Collection, including more that are clearly from the same hand.
However on this example there is an unusual inscription on the back of the amulet. The circular inscription begins in the inner part and is the "Shema Yisrael...." and the text following written backwards.i
Inscription: Mahi born from Nanimevet; Be-Shem (42 letter name).....