Obj. ID: 36895 Amulet, Yemen, 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 necklace is a nice piece of gilt silver jewelry in the typical Yemenite style, both created and worn by Yemenite Jews. However it is unusual in that on the back of the five flat elements are engraved amuletic formulas of the 42 letter name of God and the "Shir Le-Ma'alot", lending the entire piece a general protective power for the wearer against evil forces. This was probably for the protection of a pregnant woman.