This is a manuscript of an (unrolled) amulet written for protection against spirits and the evil eye during pregnancy; written on a long, thin sheet of paper to be rolled and worn in a necklace or locket, the paper is now torn and the item has been reassembled into three leaves, numbered in the original order of the amulet roll. Ciphers, names, and incantations written in an Eastern square script; prayers, verses, and explanations written in an Eastern cursive-semicursive hybrid script. Cipher and Divine name inside a six-pointed star (f. 2r); Name of God of the forty-two letters (Shem HaMephorash; f. 3r). Item likely originated in eastern Iraq (or perhaps Iran) during the final quarter of the 19th century.
Language:
Official Aramaic (700-300 BCE); Imperial Aramaic (700-300 BCE); Hebrew
Provenance:
GIFT FROM THE MOLDOVAN FAMILY COLLECTION By Joseph T. Moldovan C'76 and Susan A. Moldovan C'76. Donated in Honor and Memory of Jean and Dr. Alfred Moldovan.; Moldovan, Joseph, donor.; Moldovan, Susan, donor.
The Penn Libraries makes materials accessible to improve information equity and enhance teaching, research,
and learning. See our Sensitive Materials Statement
for more information.