Skip to content
Pitt Rivers Museum

1985.50.1396.2

Bracket for an amulet made of a thin strip of tin metal bent along both sides and perforated at the ends. It features a metal loop in the middle for parchment scroll [1985.50.1396 .1]. [BA [OPS move] 7/11/2017]


1985.50.1396.2

Digital asset copyright: Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford

Terms and Conditions

If you wish to order a high-resolution image and/or licence its use for print or web publication, exhibition, film, promotional product or any other use, whether in the academic or commercial sector of any print run, then please visit photographic services.

Collection type
Object
Description
Bracket for an amulet made of a thin strip of tin metal bent along both sides and perforated at the ends. It features a metal loop in the middle for parchment scroll [1985.50.1396 .1]. [BA [OPS move] 7/11/2017]
Geographical reference
Algiers
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1906
Date collected
1906
Acquisition information
Loaned: 1985
Materials and processes
Material Tin Metal, Material Glass, Process Bent, Process Perforated
Dimensions
Depth: max 6 mm, Width: max 12 mm, Length: max 77 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1985.50.1396.2
Research and responses

Mezuzah - small folded or rolled parchment inscribed by a qualified calligraphist with scriptural verses (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 11:13-21) to remind Jews of their obligations toward God. The parchment is placed in a metal, wooden, or glass case so that the word Shaddai ("Almighty") can usually be seen on the back of the parchment. [Encyclopaedia Britannica on line] OED online: Mezuzah: A piece of parchment inscribed on one side with the required Pentateuchal texts and on the other with the divine name Shaddai, enclosed in a container and attached to the doorpost of a Jewish house in fulfilment of religious law.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mezuzah: Mezuzah literally means a 'doorpost' in Hebrew, and refers to one of the 613 commandments in Judaism which requires that a small parchment inscribed with two sections from the Torah's Book of Deuteronomy (6:4-9, 11:13-21) be affixed to each doorpost and gate in a Jewish home, synagogue and business. ... Thus the word mezuzah can refer to any of the following, simply the doorpost of a permanent door, gate or arch; the special parchment with the required Hebrew inscription; the small case or box that typically covers the parchment ... [AP 28/09/2006]

Search terms: Religion, Furniture Dwelling, Amulet, House-ornament