Obj. ID: 41928 Amulet
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.
With two circles and two hamsas presented in a unique style, this is an unusual amulet written for two people, one mentioned at the top and the other at the bottom. Perhaps the two people are a married couple. The style of the writing is that of the Atlas Mountains in the general area of Marrakesh. The purpose of the amulet is very general protection against the evil eye and, more importantly, against epilepsy. It is likely that the children of the two names mentioned suffer from this malady. Mention is made in the text of protection agains almost all sorts of potential evils. The formulae in the text are original and not copied from standard examples. There are another two amulets by the same scribe in The Gross Family Collection as well as one in the collection of Paul Dahan. The depiction of micrography in Morrocan amulets is quite unusual. The size of this amulet and the fact that it is for two people would indicate that it was made to be hung on the wall of their home and not folded and carried.
Made For: Shlomo ben Leah
Made For: Shoshanah bat Esther