Obj. ID: 37579 Amulet, Ukraine, circa 1900
sub-set tree:
The following description was prepared by William Gross:
This is an example of a type of inexpensive, easily cast lead amulet that has only recently come to light. The disovery came because of extensive use of metal detectors by amateur explorers in the FSU, primarily in the Ukraine, where such amulets have been uncovered in both quantity and variety. In the Gross Family Collection there are more than 60 different variations. It is clear that they were a very popular protective talisman, worn by numerous Jewish children.
This amulet has the letter "Heh" on the obverse flanked by rampant lions, and the letters ש ק ש. The reverse is filled with an amuletic inscription. The amulet is missing its upper arched section which likely would have included a crown.
For a similar amulet in the GFC see 027.025.010.
Inscription: Heh