Obj. ID: 36917 Amulet, Baghdad, circa 1920
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.
An amulet holder in the rich color of the 22 carat gold used for such jewelry in Iraq. One end, which opens, is attached to the case by a chain and the case is on the same gold chain as a necklace. It is almost identical to the amulet holders that are on the elaborate Iraqi amulet necklace, 027.021.014. Inside such holders were placed paper or parchment amulets or some sort of vegetal magic matter, such as grain, that in themselves held amuletic significance. The weight of this holder would suggest that there is some material inside but it cannot be opened without damaging the case..