Obj. ID: 51253  Amulet, Middle East, circa 1880

The following description was prepared by William Gross:

This is an example of an amulet that is written for a specific purpose and a specific person. Such amulets were written in a scroll form and then rolled or folded for placement in a container of silver, fabric or leather to be carried by the person named. This particular amulet was written for a woman named Garjai bat Chavivah. While in most amulets for a specific person, the name is mentioned one or two times, in this example the name Garjai bat Chavivah appears more than 10 times.

Garjai was apparently pregnant and the amulet was made to protect both mother and child. There are many formulas to that affect and well as many other conferring a very general protection on them both. At the bottom of the amulet is depicted a singular image of Lilith with her wrists held by chains. Underneath are the names of the 3 angels so often cited as protection for mother and child.

Utilizing both square and informal scripts, the sroll also depicts several diagrams of the Magen David and Magic squares containing Kabbalistic names.

Made For:                        Garjai bat  Chavivah