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1917.28.8

Lead amulet stamped with inscription, for protection from the evil eye, on a wooden plaque with 1917.28.9. [ZM 04/05/2007]

On display

1917.28.8

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Collection type
Object
Description
Lead amulet stamped with inscription, for protection from the evil eye, on a wooden plaque with 1917.28.9. [ZM 04/05/2007]
Cultural groups
English
Person
Maker Unknown Maker
Field collector E. Lovett
Field collector Edward Lovett
PRM source Henry Balfour
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1917
Date collected
By 1917
Acquisition information
Donated: 1917
Materials and processes
Material Lead Metal, Material Wood Plant, Process Stamped, Process Inscribed
Dimensions
Diameter: max 37 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1917.28.8
Research and responses

Examined on 4 June 2007 by Rabbi Eli Brackman of the Oxford Chabad Society who translated the inscription on both 1917.28.8 and 1917.28.9 as: 'It shall be the will before you God our Lord and the God of our fathers that the infants of Israel shall be protected from evil eye and the illness of Ascara (inflammation of the throat) shall not effect their mouths and God shall raise them to the study of Torah and protect them with your mercy. Amen!' [ZM 02/07/2007]

Associated publications
Published (with 1917.28.9) in the 'Inventory of Judaica and Hebraica in Oxford Colleges and Museums' on the website of the Oxford Jewish Heritage Commitee at https://www.oxfordjewishheritage.co.uk/projects/judaica-and-relevant-hebraica-in-oxford/89-inventory-of-judaica-and-hebraica (2009); '5) Inscribed lead amulet, and two others [sic] on a wooden plaque Accession numbers: 1917.28.8 Two amulets. Originally catalogued at the Museum as: "2 Jewish leaden circular amulets stamped with inscriptions, for protection of boys against the Evil-eye, etc. London." The amulets are fixed to a wooden plaque, probably for display. The inscription is the same on both and was translated by Rabbi Eli Brackman of the Oxford Chabad Society in 2007 as: "It shall be the will before you God our Lord and the God of our fathers that the infants of Israel shall be protected from evil eye and the illness of Ascara (inflammation of the throat) shall not effect their mouths and God shall raise them to the study of Torah and protect them with your mercy. Amen!" From the collection of Edward Lovett. Given to the Museum by Henry Balfour in 1917. and 1917.28.9 Original display label says: "Jewish amulets for boys to wear for protection against the Evil-eye & other evil influences'. The accession book entry repeats this, calling it "1 of 2 leaden circular amulets stamped with inscriptions. London." Diameter: 37mm. There is some confusion over this and two amulets nailed to a wooden plaque, probably for display purposes. On the back of this plaque is the translation: "This child to grow for the Scripture, to marry and engender T R M H A V A [cabbalistic symbols] To save your people Israel from the evil eye and not to let anything foul in their mouth, that they should grow up for your scripture, & you to cover them with your money. Amen." Source: Collected by E. Lovett, donated to the Museum by Henry Balfour in 1917.' [JC 14 11 2019]

Search terms: Ornament, Religion, Writing, Amulet, Inscription

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