Obj. ID: 37553 Amulet, Ukraine, circa 1900
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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. In the center of the obverse is the single, large decorated letter "Heh" of the monogrammaton. This amulet is in good condition and even carries the original hanging loop at the top. The text inscribed on this amulet differes from the norm on such talismans. Instead of the Yehi Ratzon and the Yigdalu phrases, on this object are recorded Ben Porat Yosef and the names of the Patriarch. Additionally there are phrases that are unidentified. There are also a Heh letter on both sides of the round amulet, and on one side the letter Shin appears inside the Heh, probably for the name of God "Shadai".