1985.50.1396.1

Collection type

Object

Description

Amulet made of a parchment scroll, rectangular in shape and covered in small, neat Hebrew writing. It fits inside tin bracket [1985.50.1396 .2]. [BA [OPS move] 7/11/2017]

Geographical reference

Algeria

Africa > Northern Africa > Algeria

Algiers

Person

Field collector Henry Hildburgh

PRM source Wellcome Institute

PRM source Wellcome Historical Medical Museum

Date / Period

Date made: Before 1906

Date collected

1906

Acquisition information

Loaned: 1985

Materials and processes

Material Parchment Skin Animal, Process Inscribed

Dimensions

Width: max 42 mm, Length: max 55 mm, Depth: max 14 mm

Object numbers

Accession number: 1985.50.1396.1

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, Writing, Furniture Dwelling, Amulet, Inscription, House-ornament