Obj. ID: 51671  Amulet, Morocco, circa 1920

The following description was prepared by William Gross:

Such scroll amulets were usually carried on the person of the individual for whom they were written. They were rolled or folded into a small container of metal, fabric or leather and carried in a pocket, in a purse or on a string around the neck. This amulet seems to be for a newlyborn male and would have been placed in his crib or hung around his neck.

 This scroll appropriately carries an image of Lilith with her hands bound, signifying her inability to harm the child. The names of the 3 angels are a part of the image to provide additional security. There are many names and formulas for a more general protection as well, most notably the Shiviti, a very rare element on such scrolls. There is only one other scroll in the Gross Family Collection carrying such an image. The large black "Heh" at the top, one of the names of God, presides over the entire amulet. There appear as well the Kabbalistic hand who fingers are filled with the text of the blessing of the Cohanim and a Magen David.

Made For:                        Chaviv ben Nazarav