Obj. ID: 36576 Amulet, Iran, circa 1900
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.
This circular form is one of the largest objects among Iranian amulets and is represented by several examples in the Gross Family Collection. The 42-letter name of God is inscribed in quite beautiful hollow letters in the outer circular pattern around the center that contains the name of the woman for whom this amulet was made. The inner circle contains the 14-letter name and alternate names for Lilith.
In a most interesting variation, this amulet was in use by three different women. The name on the front is Zelichah bat Malim. On the back, in a cartouche in the center, topped by the lion and sun symbol, is the name Ninhagoz bat Rachel. At the top of the back is the name Simchah bat Ninhagoz, apparently the daughter of the woman whose name is in the center. There are definite signs of wear on the holding loops for the chain.
Inscription: Zelichah bat Malim; Be-Shem (42 letter name).....