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Amulets and Talismans Auction N 212

בן עמי אנדרס מכירות פומביות/http://www.benamiendres.co.il

בשיתוף עם: ל. אלכסנדר וולףבסיוע של אדוארד רבינוביץ‘

מכירה פומבית 212חלק ד' - קמיעות

תתקיים ביום שלישי, יד‘ חשון 30.10.12 בשעה 20:00

למכירה: קמיעות החל מהתקופה הפרה-היסטורית עד התקופה החדשה

תצוגה: ימים ב-ד, ו‘-ח חשון 22.10.12-24.10.12 בין השעות: 14:00-20:00 יום ה‘, ט חשון 25.10.12 בין השעות: 12:00-20:00 יום ו‘ , י חשון 26.10.12 בין השעות: 10:00-14:00

התצוגה והמכירה יתקיימו בבית המכירות, ברח‘ אידלסון 13 תל-אביב. טל: 03-6292257http://benamiendres.livingrid.tv/ :ניתן גם להשתתף במכירה באינטרנט און-ליין באתר

(צריך להרשם מראש)

Ben-Ami Endres Auctionshttp://www.benamiendres.co.il with: L. Alexander Wolfeand Edward Rabinovich

Auction 212Part D: Charms, Amulets and Talismans

will take place on Tuesday, 30.10.12 at 20:00

The sale will include: charms, amulets and talismans from prehistory till the present dayExhibition: Monday-Wednesday, 22.10.12- 24.10.12 at : 14:00-20:00

Thursday, 25.10.12 at 12:00-20:00 Friday, 26.10.12 at 10:00-14:00

The previews and Auction will take place at the auction house: 13 Idelson 13 Tel-Avivtel: 972-36292257, participation online on the website : http://benamiendres.livingrid.tv

One needs to register before the auction


The collection presented here was built in an attempt to understand man’s use of amulets and talismans.Whereas an amulet is generally considered as something that is worn, possibly coming from the Arabic word hml to carry, a talisman is any object that is endowed with magic virtue. Not all the objects presented are traditional amulets but all have a clear amuletic or talismanic connection.Chronologically it stretches from before the beginning of recorded time till the present day. Collecting amulets is different from antiquities in that collectors of antiquities will not consciously settle for a modern imitation. The same principles have been employed in the making and use of amulets over thousands of years. Therefore, for the true collector of amulets, modern amulets are as valid a part of a collection as antique or ancient specimens.Amulets that are hundreds or thousands of years apart employ the same techniques. For that reason we have also included the most recent amulets whose commercial value is perhaps negligible, yet they are illustrative of the universality of the subject and the existence of very long standing traditions.There are many different techniques employed in the f ield of magic endeavor. We have attempted to elucidate several in order to facilitate an understanding of this very esoteric subject.

Introduction

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Since there are no written records from the prehistoric periods, in order to understand artifacts we have to compare them to similar objects from the later historical periods. Pectoral pendants with similar designs are considered as seals and amulets from many later periods. Household gods, such as the Roman Lares and Penates are represented here by two basalt house idols, common in areas close to the Golan and the Hauran, such as the north of Israel and Jordan.

Prehistoric

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1. Banded agate seal/amulet, in form of snail; pierced for suspension; on base, geometric crisscross design, 2.5 × 1.05 × 0.7. Tell Halaf , ca.6th–5th mill. BCE. For similar cf. Stark.

Estimate $250 USD

2. Black steatite seal/amulet depicting geometric conf iguration of St. Andrew’s crosses plus four combined ‘Union Jack ’ crosses with splayed lines’ suspension loop, 2.8 × 1.8 × 1.1; Tell Halaf, ca. 6th–5th mill. BCE. Estimate $100 USD

3. White hard stone seal/amulet with conf iguration of crosses and lines; suspension loop, 1.4 × 1.05 × 0.45. Tell Halaf, ca. 6th–5th mill. BCE. Estimate $80 USD

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4. Stone violin shaped figurine, 10.8 × 4.5 × 1.7; Yarmuk culture, Sha’ar Hagolan; ca. 5th mill. BCE. Such an object was used to promote fertility. Estimate $750 USD

5. Pebble with incision possibly representing vagina, 6.25 × 4.5 × 2.1; Yarmuk culture, Sha’ar Hagolan; ca. 5th mill. BCE. Representation of the vagina implies this was used for female fertility, Cf. Gurf inkel 1999: 39 for similar and dissenting opinion.

Estimate $400 USD

6. House idol, basalt, 12 × 5.5 cm. Neolithic–Chalcolithic period, ca. 5th mill. BCE. Used to protect the house against evil spirits. Estimate $300 USD

7. Black and white hard stone seal amulet, with drill dots and stylized animal; bored for suspension with collars at borings, 3.3diam × 1.35, ca. 4th mill BCE. Estimate $250 USD

8. House idol, basalt, 19 × 14 cm. Golan; Chalcolithic period, ca. 4th mill BCE. Cf. Epstein 1998: 230–233, pl. XXX–XXXIII, for type. Estimate $3500 USD

9. White hard stone pendant amulet in shape of mother holding child; pierced for suspension, 2.5 × 0.95 × 0.9; ca. 4th–3rd mill BCE. Used as a fertility amulet.

Estimate $750 USD

Prehistoric

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Canaanite

Perhaps the commonest amulet of the Canaanites, derived from Egypt was the scarab, a representation of the dung beetle. The Egyptians saw the dung beetle lay its eggs in a ball of dung, which it rolled to a safe place. They compared the movement of the ball of dung to the movement of the sun in the heavens. At the same time when the eggs hatched out of the ball of dung, it was like life coming out of the sun. This elevated the lowly dung beetle to the status of a divine figure.

10. Green Jasper scarab depicting a stylized tree; bored for suspension, 2.1 × 1.45 × 0.9. ca. Eastern Mediterranean Littoral, 18th–17th cent BCE. The scarab beetle was perhaps the commonest of Egyptian amuletic devices. The green jasper group of seals comprised both cylinders and stamps, primarily in a green stone. The workshop was situated on the Eastern Mediterranean possibly Byblos, possibly Megiddo. Keel, Keel-Leu and Schroer 1989: pp.209-242. Estimate $750 USD

11. Rock crystal scarab with details delineated; on base eight concentric circles and four lone circles; comes with bronze handle/mount, now detached, Scarab 2.05 × 1.4 × 0.9. ; mount 2.9 × 0.4. Eastern Mediterranean Littoral ca. 18th – 17th cent BCE. Green Jasper workshop as above. Estimate $800 USD

12. Amethyst scarab × 3; bored for suspension, a. 1.5 × 1.0 × 0.75; b. 1.45 × 1.05 × 0.75; c. 1.4 × 0.95 × 0.7; Canaanite, ca. 1750–1550 BCE. Estimate $250 USD

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The Iron Age or Israelite period went through a number of phases of development. Ethnic nuances only started to become apparent in the 9th–8th centuries in parallel with the widespread use of script. Until then, the seal/amulets in use could not be attributed to specific ethnic groups.

Canaanite / Mesopotamia / Iron Age

13. Steatite scarab; within cartouche ‘ra men kheper’ the name of Tuthmoses III; around maat feathers and winged device; delineation of details of dung beetle, 1.7 × 1.2 × 0.9; ca. 12th– 11th cent BCE. As in Jewish magic names of deities, or deified Pharaohs, have magical power. Estimate $175 USD

14. Lead rectangular pendant; depicts two figures with Canaanite style headgear, Egyptian attire, f lanking cult stand; with suspension loop, 2.9 × 1.4 × 0.2. Canaan, late 2nd mill. BCE. We have not found published examples of this nor the following. Estimate $250 USD

15. Similar but f igures wearing long attire, 2.8 × 1.3 × 0.25. Canaan, late 2nd mill. BCE.

Estimate $175 USD

16. Shell pendant in shape of face; suspension loop, 2.45 × 1.9 × 0.6; Mesopotamia, ca. 3rd–2nd mill. BCE. Estimate $100 USD

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The Iron Age

17. Steatite scarabs; on both rudimentary delineation of details of dung beetle; a. lion passant right, 1.3 × 1.1 × 0.65; b. lion passant right, cartouche in front; 1.35 × 0.8 × 0.5; ca. 12th–11th cent BCE. Israel. This crude manner of execution is found on a large group of scarabs called Ramesside mass production. Estimate $200 USD

18. Steatite lion; on base figure in Egyptian style; bored, 1.5 × 1.0 × 0.8; ca. 12th–11th cent BCE, Israel. Estimate $200 USD

19. Brown steatite conoid with oval base; depicts two she deer feeding their young; above bird; bored, 2.5 × 2.55 × 2.25; ca. 11th–10th cent BCE, Israel. Estimate $200 USD

Images of animals are to be found on amulets and talismans throughout the ages. Sometimes the animal is perceived as a protector keeping evil at bay, for example the lion.

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Hebrew / Judah

The status of Judah can be considered as a ping pong ball batted to and from between the minimalists and maximalists, the former casting doubt on the extent of the Davidic kingdom. Whatever the truth, the apogee of the southern kingdom was in the eighth century after the destruction of the Northern Kingdom.

20. Bone club shaped amulets, Judah, ca. 8th–6th cent BCE, Judah This class of object might well be uniquely Judahite. Cf. Ariel 1990, pp. 136–7. Platt 1978. Estimate $75 USD

21. Stone comb shaped device; pierced for suspension, 2.05 × 1.45 × 0.5; Judah ca. 8th–6th cent BCE. Estimate $75 USD

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Astarte Figurines

Each house in Judah had one or more fertility figurines, representing Astarte a local goddess. This was before the use of graven images was considered a violation of the Second Commandment.

22. Terracotta Astarte head, ca. 8th–6th cent BCE, Judah. Estimate $250 USD

23. Terracotta Astarte head, ca. 8th–6th cent BCE, Judah. Estimate $250 USD

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Seal Amulets- Israel and Judah

The following seal amulets common to Israel, Judah and the neighbouring cultures of Phoenicia, Aramaic Damascus, Ammon, Moab and Edom were used for sealing and where there was a motif, for protection.

24. Bronze tabloid; quadruped passant right; human figure standing on its back pierced, 0.97 × 0.85 × 0.45; Judah, ca 8th cent BCE. Cf. Avigad and Sass 1997, p.87, no.118 for same type and similar motif. Estimate $200 USD

25. Brown steatite scaraboid; eight circles; linear border; drilled for suspension, 1.8 × 1.7 × 1.05; Judah ca. 8th cent CE. Estimate $200 USD

26. Steatite scarab; details of dung beetle delineated; on base, two registers; above, griffon with double crown of Egypt; below, hieroglyphs; drilled, 1.8 × 1.3 × 0.8; Northern kingdom of Israel; ca.9th/8th cent. BCE. For scarabs from same Israelite workshop. Keel and Uehlinger 1998, p.254, no. 254 a,b. Estimate $400 USD

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27. Limestone scaraboid; divided into two registers by double dividing line; above, crescent moon with drill dot, additional drill dot; bull passant right; in front, pomegranate; in exergue f ive drill dots., Ammon ca. 8th cent BCE. All aspects of the seal point to an Ammonite provenance. The bull is the symbol of Milkom, the Ammonite god; the pomegranate is one of the classic symbols of Ammonite iconography. Often on Ammonite seals in the exergue in place of an inscription there is a wavy line. In this case there are f ive drill dots. Likewise the limestone tinged with dark red is typical. For similar seals, cf. Aufrecht 1989, pl.II, no.5, pl. XLII, no. 127, for motifs. Estimate $400 USD

28. Steatite scarab set in bronze mount; horus falcon in center f lanked by two monkeys; on left, uraeus cobra, 1.6 × 1.4 x1.3; Phoenicia ca. 8th–6th cent BCE. Estimate $300 USD

Western Semitic

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Eye Beads

The eye is one of the principal items in the treasury of amuletic symbols, rooted in the feeling that one is being stared at, because of jealousy or other emotions. It appears on a wide variety of amulets till the present day. It works on the basis of sympathetic magic, that ‘like repel like’.

29. Blue and white glass; triangular eye bead, 2.5 × 1.3; Levant, ca. 9th–7th cent BCE. For similar, cf. Spaer 2001, f ig 38. Estimate $200 USD

30. Blue and white glass; tr iangular eye bead, 2 .5 × 1.4 ; Levant , ca. 7th cent BCE. Estimate $200 USD

31. Bronze pectoral amulet, depicting 4-winged scarab/acanthus f lowers; loop, now damaged, 2.5 × 1.15 × 0.4. Phoenician style, Levant, ca. 8th–5th cent BCE. The four winged scarab was a royal Judahite motif used to stamp jar handles. Estimate $250 USD

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Pazuzu

Pazuzu was an Assyrian demon. Effigies of him were kept in houses or worn as pendants by pregnant women to ensure a safe pregnancy. It first appeared in Israel and Judaea with the Assyrian conquest that came at the end of the eighth century BCE. When a Pazuzu amulet has a seal on the base, or serves as a finial of a cylinder seal the iconography is astral, one of the hallmarks of the Assyrians.

32. Bronze stamp cylinder, with janiform Pazuzu head at top below suspension loop; on base, winged sun disc; around, supplicant praying left to crescent moon and cult stand; winged sun disc above solar barque, 3.6 × 0.85 diam., ca 7th–6th cent BCE Pazuzu was a demon from Assyria a culture that worshipped celestial phenomena, borne out by the solar and lunar symbolism. Estimate $1200 USD

33. Bronze Pazuzu head with suspension loop, 4.25 × 2.3 × 1.3; ca. 7th cent BCE. Estimate $300 USD

34. Bronze Pazuzu head with suspension loop, 2.55 × 1.4; ca. 7th cent BCE. Estimate $200 USD

35. Terracotta Pazuzu head. Impressions of potter’s f ingers on reverse, 9 × 5 × 4.3; Mesopotamia, 7th–6th cent. BCE. Cf. Amiet 1981,pl 156, for similar. Estimate $600 USD

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Humbaba

The brother of Pazuzu, he was the guardian of the forests. His decapitated hairy fierce looking head finds a later parallel in Medusa. On the principal of sympathetic magic his fierce appearance keeps at bay evil spirits.

36. Terracotta Humbaba head, 10.5 × 6.5 × 2.7; Mesopotamia, ca. 8th–6th BCE. Estimate $600 USD

37. Conoid chalcedony seal/amulet depicting supplicant worshiping the cult symbols of Nebu and Mardukh; drilled style; pierced for suspension, 2.9 × 2.3 × 1.4, ca. 8th–7th BCE. Estimate $250 USD

38. Chalcedony scaraboid seal/amulet depicting astral symbols comprising two crescent moons, a circle surrounded by the twelve Pleiades, plus a cult stand and cult symbol in shape of sword; pierced for suspension, 2.7 × 2.3 × 1.4 ca. 8th–6th cent BCE. Estimate $200 USD

39. Red jasper seal/amulet depicting star and crescent moon; pierced, 2.2 × 1.5 x1.25; ca. 7th–6th BCE Estimate $200 USD

40. Lead disc; female deity on lion facing right; figure in front with head apparel reminiscent of Egyptian crown; two ibises in exergue; dots, possibly representing stars in the field; suspension loop, diam. 5.3 × 0.3; ca. 7th cent. BCE Estimate $600 USD

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Persian Period

Some five decades after the destruction of the First temple by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon was taken over by the Achaemenids under Darius.The material culture of the Land of Israel, which was part of the system of 127 provinces of the Empire, was deeply influenced by the ruling culture. The seal amulets in Israel and Lebanon can be rightly classified as Western Achaemenid, a poorer provincial version of the Imperial Persian culture.

41. Aegis with loop at back, gold, 1.5 × 1.1 × 0.35; Levant ca. 5th cent BCE Estimate $750 USD

42. Terracotta jar with applied face of Bes, 11.5 × 10 cm. Levant; ca. 6th–4th BCE Cf. Stern 1982, p. 131, pp. 210–1, for two similar vessels. Estimate $750 USD

43. Gold ring depicting Bes within cartouche, ca. 5th cent BCE, Phoenician. Estimate $750 USD

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Persian Period

44. Bronze tabloid; depicting Greek warrior running to right; drilled, 1.8 × 1.5 × 0.4; Western Achaemenid, ca. 6th–4th cent. BCE Estimate $300 USD

45. Bronze scarab; depicts Persian warrior pulling bow facing left; details of dung beetle delineated; drilled, 1.5 × 0.9 × 0.65; Western Achaemenid, ca. 6th–4th cent BCE. Estimate $200 USD

46. Bronze conoid with rectangular base; on base, supplicant on left before tree; on side, supplicant praying to cult symbols of Nebu and Mardukh; above crescent; drilled for suspension, 1.9 × 1.2 × 0.7; vestiges of wire handle; Western Achaemenid; ca. 6th–4th cent. BCE A seal of similar type was excavated at Kamid El Loz in Lebanon. Estimate $300 USD

47. Faience statuette of Bastet; suspension loop, Phoenician, ca. 5th cent BCE Estimate $50 USD

48. Bronze Horus eye bored for suspension, 0.8 × 0.75 × 0.35, ca. 5th cent BCE Estimate $50 USD

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Face Beads

For the tradition of glass face beads in the Mediterranean region in the first millennium BCE, cf. Spaer 2001, pp. 7–165 ;160–155; pl. 358.

49. Glass face bead, dark blue, 2.35 × 1.3 × 1.1; Mediterranean, ca. 3rd–2nd cent BCE. Cf. Spaer 2001, pl. 358, no. 310–316. Estimate $500 USD

50. Glass face bead, yellow light blue and red, 2.15 × 1.25 × 1.05; Mediterranean, ca. 3rd–2nd cent BCE. Cf. Spaer 2001, pl. 358, no. 310–316. Estimate $750 USD

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Hellenism

Alexander the Great who ruled from 323–336 BCE fused classical culture with the religions of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

51. Hellenistic bronze ring bezel; head of Berenice facing left, 2.3 × 1.9 × 0.3, 2nd cent BCE. Estimate $200 USD

52. Silver drachm of Alexander pierced for suspension, against gout, 336–323 BCE. Cf. Bohak 2008: pp. 382–3. Estimate $75 USD

53. Bronze figurines of Osiris, with suspension loops, 3.7 × 0.7; group of ten, 3.8 × 6.9, single. Ptolemaic period, Egypt. Estimate $350 USD

54. Bronze figurine of Harpocrates with suspension loop, 2.9 × 0.85, Ptolemaic period Egypt. Estimate $100 USD

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Black Magic – Curse Amulet

Hasmonean / Herodian Period Amuletic Ring

However the following ring is part of a group whose central motif is the cornucopia in combination with other clearly amuletic devices.

While we usually think of amulets as a kind of protection there are devices which are directly designed to bring harm. A modern example is that of voodoo dolls.

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55. Bronze figurine in seated position,

headless, with a right arm half the

length of the left arm and a withered

right foot, 4.4 × 2.9 × 0.3; Balkans

ca. 3rd–2nd cent BCE. For lead

figures from the Hellenistic period

used in Black Magic, cf. Vukosavovic

2010, pp. 33–39.

Estimate $500 USD

56. Maccabean/Herodian bronze ring

depicting cornucopia; with ear of corn

between them, 1.9 × 0.95; ca. 2nd

BCE–1st CE.

Estimate $250 USD

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Coins as Amulets

Coins are often used as amulets, whether pierced or mounted for suspension.

The coins might have powerful symbols, such as on the Moroccan coins depicting the Seal of Solomon. The coins of Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem) and Bar Cochba as a pendant could be understood as the Jewish longing for Jerusalem. Cf. Bohak 183 :2008.

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57. Ptolemaic coin pierced for suspension; obverse: portrait of Zeus; rev: two eagles with

inscription of King Ptolemy, 4.1 × 0.65; 2nd cent. BCE. Estimate $50 USD

58. Bronze coin of Aelia Capitolina; obv: portrait of Emperor facing left; rev: Tyche standing

opposite Victory standing on column, perforated for suspension, 2.3 × 0.3; 2nd cent CE.

Estimate $50 USD

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Amulets and Talismans Auction N 212 21

59. Byzantine 40 nummia; obv: portrait of Justinian facing; rev: large M in center f lanked by inscriptions,

4.0 × 0.2, 527–565 CE. Estimate $40 USD

60. Mediaeval silver coin depicting Seal of Solomon, 2.1 × 0.1; ca. 15th cent. Estimate $50 USD

61. Mediaeval bronze coin depicting Seal of Solomon on both sides, 1.8 × 0.15; ca. 15th cent. Estimate $30 USD

62. Moroccan bronze fals dated 1273 A.H. depicting Seal of Solomon, ca. 1857. Estimate $30 USD

Coins as Amulets

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63. Stone cup with Talmudic penance inscription, 6.5 × 5.9 ca., 1st cent CE Talmudic was the script

of one of the tribes from the Arabian peninsula and belongs to the Southern branch of the Semitic

family. Estimate $500 USD

64. Roman bronze finger ring depicting lion, ca. 3rd cent CE. Estimate $50 USD

65. Gilt bronze ring set with agate eye stone, 2.8 × 2.55 cm.; ca. 3rd cent. Estimate $250 USD

Roman Amulets

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66. Bronze ring set with glass intaglio depicting theatrical mask, 2.3 × 1.3; Break in shank. ca. 1st cent CE

Estimate $150 USD

67. Bronze ring set with glass intaglio depicting Hercules, diam. 2.2 × 0.95; ca. 1st–2nd cent CE

Estimate $150 USD

68. Banded agate, white and dark blue, in shape of Medusa head in relief, 1.2 × 1.05 × 0.7. ca. 2nd–3rd

cent CE. Estimate $600 USD

69. Glass gemstone depicting female bust in relief, 1.1 × 0.85 × 0.3; ca. 2nd cent CE. Estimate $150 USD

70. Garnet gemstone depicting standing male figure facing r.; in left hand branch, 1.4 × 1.1 × 0.35;

ca. 3rd cent. Estimate $150 USD

71. Red jasper gemstone in bronze mount depicting Zeus seated facing r.; holding scepter in r., device

in l., below, bird, 2.0 × 1.6 × 0.35; ca. 2nd–3rd cent. Estimate $300 USD

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Roman Amulets


72. Red jasper gemstone inscribed in Greek, ΔΩPON (present), 0.8 × 0.6 × 0.3; ca. 2nd–3rd cent. CE. Estimate $150 USD

73. Carnelian gemstone depicting Isis standing r. holding cornucopia in right, snake in left, 1.7 × 1.15 × 0.3. Ca. 1st–2nd cent CE. Estimate $500 USD

74. Silver pectoral pendant depicting standing f igure in position of prayer with hands raised, 3.3 × 1.3 × 0.6; Late Antique. Estimate $150 USD

75. Bronze mouse eating object held in its front paws, 3.15 × 1.1. ca. 2nd cent CE. Working on

the principal of sympathetic magic such an object would have been placed in such places as

granaries and pantries to keep real mice away. Estimate $300 USD

76. Agate ring stone in shape of eye, 0.9 × 0.7 × 0.6; ca. 1st–3rd cent CE. Banded agate, sardonyx, lends itself to being polished so that the different coloured layers imitate the

human eye. Estimate $100 USD

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Roman Amulets


77. Iron nail; ca. Roman period, possibly later. Whereas the three nails used in the crucif ixion

were considered amuletic by Christians, a single nail was considered an amulet by Jews.

Estimate $300 USD

According to Christian lore, the three nails used in the crucifixion have amuletic properties. If the Jerusalem cross comprises one large cross with a smaller cross in each of its corners, making five crosses representing the five wounds of Jesus then how come they talk about three nails. Allow me to explain the intricacies of the wounds sustained in the crucifixion. One nail was put through each hand. One nail was put through both feet and a fifth wound was caused by the Roman legionnaire Longinus hurling his spear, cf. Trachtenberg: 201. However, according to Joe Zias who has worked with the heel of the crucified man from Giv’at Hamivtar each heel was pinned to the cross by a nail, as if the victim was riding the cross, thus making four nails. In Judaism the phenomenon is perceived differently in that a nail from a crucified convict has healing properties, cf. Bohak 383 :2008. We have no pretensions as to the provenance of the three nails presented here, in stark contrast to a nail which was recently claimed to have been one of the nails used in the crucifixion of Jesus. We use them by way of illustration.

Nails used in Crucifixion

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The clenched fist with fig was considered an impolite gesture. Being impolite, therefore negative, it served to ward off other negatives such as evil spirits, demons or bad luck under the principal of sympathetic magic. For elaboration of this and a Talmudic reference to a similar practice, cf. Trachtenberg 1977:161.

The symbolism of the key crosses cultural and chronological boundaries.

Clenched Fist as Pendant

78. Bronze clenched fist pendant, 2.35 × 1.0.

Ca. 2nd–3rd cent CE. The negative nature

of this amulet meant it guarded against evil.

Estimate $100 USD

Key

79. Bronze key pendant, 1.3 × 0.8 × 0.5; ca. 1st–3rd cent. CE Estimate $100 USD

80. Bronze ring key, 2.2 × 1.6; Roman/Byzantine Estimate $150 USD

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81. Bronze pectoral amulet in form of winged phallus with phallic f inial and clenched f ist f inial,

6.1 × 4.75 × 1.05; ca. 1st–2nd cent CE Estimate $250 USD

82. Bronze pectoral amulet in form of winged phallus with phallic f inial and clenched f ist f inial,

4.5 × 2.85 × 0.4; ca. 2nd–3rd cent. Estimate $100 USD

83. Bronze pectoral amulet in form of phallus in shape of face f lanked by two phalli, 3.5 × 2.2 × 0.7,

ca 1st–2nd cent. Estimate $300 USD

84. Bronze Phallic knife guard, quillon, with phallus at one end, clenched fist at the other, 4.5 × 1.1;

ca. 2nd–3rd cent CE. Estimate $100 USD

In antiquity much of medicine centered on the use of amulets, including problems relating to impotence. Such amulets were a call to the cult of the Roman god Priapus.

Phallic Amulets

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Coming from the Greek word for knowledge, Gnostics refers to a loose group of people with eclectic texts deriving principally from Classical, Egyptian and Jewish sources.

Holy sites are often depicted on objects giving them amuletic qualities.Mt. Grizim was and still is the site sacred to the Samaritans, equivalent to Mt. Moriah in Judaism.

Holy Sites – Mt. Grizim

85. Bronze ring depicting Mt. Grizim within

cartouche, 2.0 × 1.8 × 0.95; ca. 2nd–3rd cent

CE. Mt. Grizim was sacred to the Samaritans.

Estimate $200 USD

86. Hematite gemstone depicting ouroboros, three devices above; letter Sigma in the field; on back

apparently recent Greek inscription, ΌΡΩΡ ΙΟΥΘ. Damaged, 1.4 × 1.5 × 0.2. ca. 2nd–3rd cent.

Estimate $300 USD

87. Silver ring bezel depicting Isis in centre, above star and crescent moon; behind her Serapis with

kalathos on his head; in front, Pharaoh wearing the crown of Upper and Lower Egypt, 1.2 diam. × 0.2;

ca. 1st–2nd cent CE. Estimate $500 USD

Gnostic Amulets

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88. Green jasper gem depicting Harpocrates as child in solar barque, at each end a Horus falcon. Slight

chip, 1.4 × 1.05 × 0.18; ca. 3rd cent CE Estimate $300 USD

89. Carnelian gemstone depicting two letters ‘ZZ’ followed by star, surrounded by Ouroboros; side b, Greek

inscription, which appears to be a garbled version of the Tetragrammaton and ‘Elohai’, 1.6 × 1.5 × 0.6.

ca. 2nd–3rd cent. Estimate $750 USD

90. Green jasper fragmentary large stone depicting on the convex side Abrasax a cock headed snake

legged human bodied composite creature f lanked on each side by three stars; on f lat side, snake

legged figure on left holding whip, figure, Harpocrates facing holding orb, winged figure to

right; stars in field, 2.4 × 1.7 × 0.6; ca. 2nd–3rd cent CE. Estimate $300 USD

Gnostic Amulets

88 89

90 90


Gnostic Amulets

91. Bronze ring stone depicting winged figure wearing Egyptian style crown, standing on cartouche

holding a scorpion and other animal by the tails. 2.45 × 2.1 × 0.15. Abrasion, ca. 3rd cent CE.

Estimate $200 USD

92. Rectangular lead pendant with two suspension loops inscribed in mirror script, side a ‘ΡΕΦΑΗΛ’, side b, ‘ΣΑΒΑΩΣ’, 2.4 × 1.3 × 0.25; ca. 2nd–5th cent. The rationale of using mirror script is to

prevent evil spirits from reading it. Estimate $150 USD

93. Round lead disc with suspension loop, depicting star, crescent moon and Greek inscription IΑΩ (a

transliteration of the tetragrammaton), dotted border; side b, ΑΔΟΝΑΙ, dotted border, 1.2 × 1.4

× 0.18; ca. 2nd–3rd cent. Estimate $300 USD

94. Round lead disc pierced for suspension, depicting, side a, hand f lanked by two branches, dotted

border; side b, quadruped with everted head, and front left paw raised, ladder border, 1.15 diam.

× 0.1; ca. 2nd–3rd cent CE. Estimate $200 USD

91 92 92

93 94 94


Byzantine Period ca. 638–324 CE.

97

9595

97 96

96

Whereas the imagery of the Roman period was based on Classical mythology, that of the Byzantine era was solidly founded on Biblical iconography, albeit not exclusively.New Testament symbols are prefigured in the stories of the Old Testament that were focused on salvation and redemption. The Sacrifice of Isaac was the forerunner of the crucifixion. Jonah’s three days in the leviathan prefigured Jesus’ three days in the tomb. On the other hand, Hercules battling with a lion becomes Samson and the lion. All these stories having elements of redemption and salvation were amuletic.

95. Lead pendant with suspension loop; side a – nimbed Holy Rider; side b – seven lines of the 91st psalm

in Greek, 5.0 × 2.5 × 0.2; preceded by a cross; ca. 5th–7th. cent CE. Estimate $300 USD

96. Lead disc; side a, Holy Rider facing right transfixing prostrate figure with cruciform finialled

spear; pseudo inscription around; side b, Cruciform design with face in center; pseudo inscription

around; suspension loop, diam. 3.5 × 0.3. ca 4th–5th Cent. CE. Estimate $500 USD

97. Lead pendant with suspension loop; side a, nimbed Holy Rider to left holding cross finialled spear

and transfixing figure on the ground; side b, from top to bottom, cross within circle, horned animal,

possibly bull, lion and snake, 2.3 diam × 0.2; ca. 5th–7th cent. Estimate $200 USD


Byzantine Period ca. 638–324 CE.

98. Lead disc; inscribed in Boustrophedon style, side a, ΑΔΟ ΣΑΒΑΟΘ; side b, ΜΙΧΑΗΛ; suspension

loop, diam. 1.4 × 0.18; ca. 2nd –4th cent CE. Estimate $150 USD

99. Lead bezel; on face inscribed ‘ABRACAX’; underneath, inscribed, ‘IAW’, 2.15 × 1.65 0.2; ca. 3rd

cent CE. Estimate $200 USD

100. Lead ring; depicting Abracax; with human body, head of cock and snake legs; shank twisted, 2.3

× 1.8 × 0.2 ca. 3rd cent CE. Estimate $75 USD

101. Bronze pectoral pendant, with crisscross design on both sides, 4.8 × 3.25 × 0.15; ca. 4th–7th cent. CE.

Estimate $100 USD

102. Bronze pendant, depicting angel, wing shaped, suspension loop, 3.3 × 1.25; ca. 4th–7th cent CE.

Estimate $50 USD

99

101 62

98

100 6622102


Magical Mirrors

Late antique provides us with many classes of objects which show that they were made for a multicultural clientele, Jewish, Samaritan, Christian and Pagan. Motifs appearing on them include menorahs, crosses, fish, hens, male and female figures. The seminal article is by Rahmani 1964.

103. Gypsum and glass, in the form of the head of Isis or Tyche; two cornucopias f lanking above,

diam. 23cm. × 1.1; ca. 4th–6th cent CE. Glass intact but gypsum repaired with minor restoration.

The evil spirit would see himself in the mirror and be repelled, acting on the doctrine of similar.

Estimate $2000 USD

104. Gypsum with glass inset in centre; glass intact, gypsum repaired, diam. 7.1 cm. × 0.8, ca. 4th–

6th cent. Estimate $150 USD

105. Gypsum with glass inset in centre on each side, one inset now missing, diam. 8.2 × 1.7; ca. 3rd cent CE.

Estimate $300 USD

106. Terracotta roundel with glass insert in center, now missing; eight concentric circles around;

pierced for suspension, diam. 9.5 × 0.7; ca. 3rd cent CE. Estimate $200 USD

104 105 106

103


Glass pendants

Throughout the Eastern Mediterranean one finds a series of glass pendants with suspension loops depicting motifs drawn from the Old and New Testaments, Classical mythology and Gnostic belief. The eclectic nature of the group tells that eastern Mediterranean society in that period was cosmopolitan. They date to around 5th–7th cent CE. Cf. Spaer 2001, pp. 184–179 ;6–173; pl. 30–29.

107. Amber glass pendant depicting seven branched menorah, f lanked by lulav and shofar; suspension

loop broken, 1.9 diam. × 0.6; ca. 5th–7th cent CE. Estimate $3000 USD

108. Glass pendant depicting lion inscribed ΕΙΣ ΘΕΟΣ – ‘one god’; suspension loop broken, 2.05 × 1.85 × 0.3; ca. 5th–7th cent CE. Published in Vukosavović, 2010, p. 111. Estimate $800 USD

109. Green glass pendant depicting Daniel in the lion’s den, diam. 1.45 × 0.3; ca. 5th–7th cent CE Estimate $750 USD

110. Blue glass pendant depicting Daniel in the lion’s den, Diam. 1.45 × 0.3; ca. 5th–7th cent CE Estimate $750 USD

111. Amber glass pendant depicting Samson and the lion, Diam.1.7 × 0.3; ca. 5th–7th cent CE. When Byzantium took over the cloak of the Roman Empire classical motif syncretistically became biblical. Therefore Hercules wrestling the lion was now depicted as Samson. Estimate $1000 USD

112. Amber glass pendant depicting the Good Shepherd, diam. 1.95 × 0.3; ca. 5th–7th cent CE. Estimate $600 USD

107

110 111 112

108 109


Glass pendants

113. Amber glass pendant depicting lion passant right; above star and crescent, diam. 2.05 × 0.3.;

ca. 5th–7th cent CE. Estimate $150 USD

114. Amber glass pendant depicting confronted male and female busts, diam. 1.7 × 0.3; ca. 5th–7th cent CE

Estimate $250 USD

115. Blue glass pendant depicting frog, diam. 1.8 × 0.3; ca. 5th–7th cent CE. This is an amulet for

fertility. Consider the quantity of frog spawn, from one frog. Estimate $150 USD

116. Blue glass pendant depicting quadruped jumping on outsized bird, suspension loop restored, 1.6

× 0.3; ca. 5th–7th cent CE. Estimate $200 USD

117. Blue glass pendant depicting horse and rider passant left, diam. 2.25 × 0.4; ca. 5th–7th cent CE.

Estimate $500 USD

118. Blue glass pendant depicting lion jumping on bound seated figure, 1.6 × 0.3; ca. 5th–7th cent CE.

Estimate $200 USD

113

116

114

117

115

118


Glass pendants

119. Blue glass pendant depicting eight pointed star, diam. 1.35 × 0.35; ca. 5th–7th cent CE. Estimate $150 USD

120. Blue glass pendant depicting six pointed star, 1.55 × 0.45; ca. 5th–7th cent CE. Estimate $150 USD

121. Blue glass pendant depicting Christogram with applied decoration in white and red glass, diam. 2.6 × 0.4; ca. 5th–7th cent CE. Estimate $500 USD

The seven branched menorah one of the central motifs of the Second Temple was the principal motif of the period from the compilation of the Mishnah to the codification of the Talmud.

122. Lead Bulla depicting menorah with lulav on the

left; on reverse what would appear to be nimbate

head, Diam. 1.3 × 0.33. Levant, ca. 3rd–7th cent.

Estimate $750 USD

Menorah

119 120 121

122


The cross is the central symbol and amuletic motif in Christianity. Only after Constantine the Great adopted Christianity on his death bed could it be displayed openly.

123. Bronze pendant cross, with circle decoration, suspension loop, 2.7 × 1.7 × 0.12; Israel ca. 4th–7th CE.

Estimate $150 USD

124. Bronze ring depicting cross, diam. 1.8 × 0.9; ca. 4th–7th cent. CE. Estimate $100 USD 125. Bronze pendant; a. nimbate holy Rider with cruciform spear transf ixing prostrate f igure;

b. Cross followed by f irst two words of 91st psalm in Greek; suspension loop, diam. 1.8 × 0.1; ca. 5th–7th cent. CE. Estimate $300 USD

126. Bronze ring bezel depicting Holy Rider, 1.6 × 1.4 × 0.2; ca. 5th–7th cent. CE. Estimate $300 USD

127. Bronze child’s ring depicting lion, diam 1.8 × 0.9; ca. 5th–7th cent. CE. An identical ring was excavated at Tell Jish Gush Chalav, Gischala. Cf. QDAP 1938. Estimate $100 USD

128. Bronze ring bezel depicting pentagram, diam. 0.7; ca. 6th–7th cent. CE Estimate $50 USD

The Cross

123

126

124

127

125

128


The Cross

129. Bronze child’s ring depicting Virgin and Child, diam. 1.6 × 0.9; ca. 4th–7th cent. CE. Estimate $100 USD

130. Bronze ring depicting woman at the tomb, diam. 2.05 × 1.1; ca. 4th–7th cent. CE. Estimate $150 USD

131. Bronze ring inscribed ΑΓΙΟΣ ΑΓΙΟΣ ΑΓΙΟΣ “Holy, holy, holy” in Greek, Diam. 1.7 × 0.8; ca. 4th–7th cent CE. This is one of the preferred amuletic formulae taken from Isaiah.

Estimate $200 USD

132. Bronze ring bezel inscribed in Greek, “For the health of Stephan”, 1.4 × 1.2; ca. 4th–7th cent. CE Estimate $100 USD

133. Bronze ring inscribed in Greek, “may the Lord help Marin(os)”, ca. 4th–7th cent. CE. Estimate $150 USD

129

132 133

130 131


134. Bronze ring; inscribed in Samaritan script,’ there is none like the God Yeshurun’; shank twisted,

1.4 × 1.1; ca. 5th cent. CE. Estimate $300 USD

135. Bronze octagonal ring; one line of Samaritan script, diam. 1.8; ca. 5th cent. Estimate $600 USD

136. Bronze pendant; suspension loop; inscribed with Samaritan script; fragmentary, ca. 5th cent. CE

Estimate $200 USD

Both the Jews and Samaritans are Hebrews: the former came from the southern kingdom of Judah, the latter from the northern kingdom of Israel. During the Byzantine period the Samaritans, who numbered about a million, were particularly famous for producing amulets, reaching their peak. Their script used till today is the last surviving example of the Hebrew used in the Second Temple period. Whereas the Jews from Judah employed lamellas as amulets, the Samaritans employed and made inscribed rings, pectoral pendants and also lamps with an amuletic character.

Samaritan Rings and Amulets

136

134

135


Samaritan Rings and Amulets

137. Terracotta lamp; inscribed on shoulder in rudimentary Samaritan script, ca. 5th cent. CE. For similar lamp with abecedary magical inscription cf. Naveh, 1988. Estimate $1000 USD

138. Terracotta lamp; Samaritan inscription between nozzle and filling hole, ca. 4th–5th cent CE Estimate $2000 USD

139. Terracotta lamp; depicting menorah with 19 branches; secondary decoration of chevrons; abraded, 10.0 × 5.3 × 3.6; ca. 6th cent. Estimate $500 USD

140. Terracotta lamp; depicting menorah derived device with double semicircular base; secondary decoration of lozenges and geometric decoration, 10.1 × 5.4 × 3.6; ca. 6th cent.

Estimate $500 USD

141. Terracotta lamp; depicting two menorah derived devices; secondary linear decoration, 10.0 × 5.3 × 3.6; ca. 6th cent. Estimate $100 USD

137

140

138

141

139


Early Byzantine ca. 4th7-th cent CE

142. Terracotta lamp depicting the spies and the grapes; secondary decoration of vine tendrils; North African Red Slip Ware; nozzle repaired, 14.0 × 8.3 × 4.2, ca. 4th–5th CE. Estimate $2000 USD

143. Terracotta lamp depicting Christogram; geometric and vegetal secondary decoration; North African Red Slip Ware; handle damaged, 13.8 × 8.7 × 4.1; ca. 4th/5th CE. Estimate $600 USD

144. Terracotta tile depicting Christ, 19.5 × 19.5 × 0.8; Tunisia, ca. 6th cent CE. Estimate $1000 USD

145. Terracotta tile depicting Helios (synonymous with Christ), 19.5 × 19.5 × 0.8; Tunisia, ca. 6th cent CE. Estimate $1000 USD

146. Terracotta tile with menorah like design, 36. 0 × 27.0 × 5.5; Spain, ca. 6th cent. CE. Estimate $1500 USD

147. Pb pendant, Sacrif ice of Isaac/ Daniel in lions’ den, ca. 5th–7th CE. For similar cf. Westenholz 2000, p. 61. Estimate $1000 USD

145 146 147

144143142


148. Terracotta slipper lamp depicting cross; secondary decoration of chevrons, 7.35 × 4.9 × 2.95; Ein Yabrud type; ca. 4th–5th cent. CE. Estimate $100 USD

149. Terracotta slipper lamp; inscribed in Greek, ‘the light of Christ shines to all’, 9.2 × 6.3 × 3.6; ca. 4th–5th cent. CE. For a series of lamps with this and other amuletic inscriptions cf. Loffreda 1989..

Estimate $150 USD150. Pb bullae depicting Daniel in Lion’s den, 1.55 × 1.0; Bulgaria ca. 5th–7th cent CE. Estimate $2000 USD151. Bronze bread stamp inscribed “health, life”; handle, 6.3 × 3.6; Levant; ca. 5th–7th cent. CE..

Estimate $600 USD152. Bronze bread stamp, pediform; inscribed in Greek, “ for the good luck of Lucas”; handle, 7.6

× 3.5 × 3.25; Levant, ca. 5th–7th cent. Estimate $750 USD

148

150 151 151

152 152

149



153. Glass bead blue, white yellow and red; divided into two registers by wavy line; in each register

three eyes, 3.1 × 2.5; Eastern Mediterranean, ca. 7th cent CE. Estimate $200 USD

154. 9 glass eye beads different periods. Estimate $200 USD

155. Bronze stamp depicting the Jerusalem cross, 2.4 × 2.45; Mediaeval Estimate $300 USD

153

154

155



156. Mandaic bowl, 12.6 × 4.1, 6th–7th centuries C.E. TRANSLATION: 1 ... / 2 .../ 3 ... and Farrokh[...] ... of radiance / 4 ... with seven ..., I being clothed with seven garments / 5 of the light of concealed mysteries of radiance, with the mystery of concealed [...], having / bound a gir[dle] / 6 of mysteries of (magical) knots and bonds upon my loins. I am covered with seven tunics / of concealed mysteries. / 7 ... with a great cloud of light ... from the (heavenly) sphere / 8 ... I have put ... that is upon my head, .... / 9 the stars of heaven [...] in their chariots. I hold in my hand a knife that is entirely of iron / [...] — all the angels / 10 that saw [....]. I hold in my hand a rod of request and acceptance — the amulet-spirits and / dēv-spirits of the earth cried out (?) ... / 11 ... and Farrokh[...] ... / 12 ... / 13 ...

Estimate $500 USD

Terracotta Incantation Bowls

Visigothic Spain

The Visigoths a Germanic tribe that became Christian, controlled Spain in the 6th and seventh centuries.

157. Bronze buckle plate depicting

pentagram, 3.8 × 2.35 × 0.9; Iberia,

ca. 6th–7th cent CE.

Estimate $250 USD

156

157


Jund Filastin

With the onset of Islamic rule there was once again a radical change in the material culture.

158. Bronze child’s ring depicting lion, 1.55 × 0.5; Jund Filastin, ca. 7th cent CE Estimate $100 USD

159. Bronze ring depicting pentagram, 2.1 × 0.8; Jund Filastin, ca 7th cent CE Estimate $100 USD

160. Four bronze rings inscribed “In the name of Allah”, a. 2.0 × 1.4; b. 2.05 × 0.4; c. 2.0 × 0.85; d. 2.4

× 0.8; Palestine, Umayyad Period ca. 7th–8th cent. CE. Estimate $450 USD

161. Terracotta lamp; inscribed ‘Mashallah’, 10.0 × 3.5; Jund Filastin; ca. 8th cent CE.

Estimate $1000 USD

162. Terracotta lamp; Arabic inscription, 10.8 × 6.9 × 4.9; Jund Filastin; ca. 8th –9th cent CE.

Estimate $1000 USD

158

160

161

159

161

162


Jund Filastin

163. Bronze inscribed bracelet, ca. 13th–15th cent CE. Estimate $300 USD

164. Silver coin inscribed ‘There is only one God and Muhammed is the messenger of Allah’; casting channel converted into suspension loop to serve as pendant, 2.25 × 1.1 × 1.15; Mamluke ca. 13th–15th. This is a fine example of an amulet produced by a worker in a mint. Instead of cutting the

casting channel he bored it creating a suspension loop. Estimate $200 USD

165. Pottery lamp with magical tables, 11.5 × 6.65 × 3.8; Mamluke ca. 13th–15th cent. Estimate $1500 USD

166. Pottery lamp with pseudo inscription, 12.0 × 7.7 × 4.7; Mamluke ca. 13th–15th cent. Estimate $400 USD

163 164

165 166


Jund Filastin

167

170

168

170

169

170

167. Bronze ring with cruciform design, 3.35 × 0.65; ca. 14th cent. For published example cf. Content

1987. We believe that this ring was favoured by pilgrims in the period after the Crusades when there

was animosity between Christians and Jews and Moslems, because of the cryptic cruciform design.

Estimate $300 USD

168. Bronze ring, with eye shaped bezel, inscribed in Arabic, 1.75 × 1.05; ca. 14th–16th cent.

Estimate $250 USD

169. Bronze ring, with rectangular bezel, inscribed in Arabic, ‘Patience is worshiping’, 2.1 × 1.65; ca.

14th–16th cent. CE. Estimate $250 USD

170. Four bronze rings, with eye shaped bezel, a. 2.1 × 1.1; b. 1.9 × 1.05; c. 2.0 × 1.1. d. 1.85 × 0.65; Mamluke/

early Ottoman; a – 613, 617, b -594, 603, c – 611, 612, d – 588, 593. Estimate $400 USD


171. Three bronze rings, with eye motifs: a. six circles with dot representing eyes, 2.0 × 1.05; b. seven

circles 1.75 × 1.3; c. eight circles, 1.95 × 1.35. Estimate $300 USD

172. Bronze ring depicting Star of David/Seal of Solomon, 2.0 × 2.0; Mamluke/Ottoman; ca. 14th–

16th cent. CE. The six pointed Star of David is known in many cultures. In non-Jewish Middle

eastern contexts it is known as the Seal of Solomon, and as such is depicted on the Ottoman walls

of the city of Jerusalem. Depicted on a Byzantine period synagogue in Capernaum in the Galilee

and on the f lag of the Jewish community of Prague around 1392, it only becomes associated with

Judaism, around the 17th century. Estimate $500 USD

173. Bronze ring depicting Star of David/Seal of Solomon; shank bent, 2.3 × 1.2; Mamluke/Ottoman;

ca. 14th–16th cent. CE. Estimate $250 USD

Jund Filastin

170

171

171

172

171

173


Jund Filastin

174. Bronze ring, depicting magical table of sixteen squares, 2.5 × 1.5; ca. 15th–16th cent. CE. Estimate $150 USD

175. Carnelian pendant; on one side geometric design of two panels and three rectangles created by diagonal lines; two holes for suspension, 2.9 × 2.2 × 0.9; Mediaeval, Levant Since this amulet is worn as a pendant and is suspended above the heart, it is called “head of the heart”.

Estimate $100 USD

176. Gold bracelet, lentil design, diam. 6.6; wt. 17.3 gr. Palestine, ca. 18th/20th cent. Estimate $800 USD

177. Lead pendant; side a, the names of the first four caliphs, Ali, Abu Bakr, Omar and Othman in four circles, f lanking a f lower pot; side b, inscription from the Koran in two lines in center, 4.1 × 4.0 × 0.4; Late Ottoman ca. 19th cent. For similar lead pendants , cf. Winkler 1930, pl. 3.

Estimate $250 USD

174

175 177 177

176


Jund Filastin

178. Bronze rectangular pendant with inverted triangular suspension loop; a, inscription b, magical table of 9 squares, 2.2 × 1.45 × 0.15; Levant; Mamluke/ Ottoman periods This type of pendant, ‘maske’, was favored in the Mediaeval Levant. Estimate $250 USD

179. Lead round pendant with suspension loop; side a, lion facing right; side b, Ottoman Turkish inscription, diam. 1.7, Ottoman, ca. 19th cent. Estimate $50 USD

180. Silver and niello pendant with attachments; stars crescent and f lower design in niello, 22.5 cm;

Kerak, Jordan ca. 1930. Estimate $300 USD

181. Silver hamsa; suspension loop; three stamped Arabic inscriptions; 6.2 × 3.9; Morocco; 19th/20th

cent., 6.2 × 3.9; Morocco; 19th/20th cent. Estimate $150 USD

178

178 180 181

179 179


Arabic Inscribed Magical Bowls

The role of metal inscribed magic bowls in the Arabic speaking world was different from that of the inscribed terracotta bowls from Mesopotamia dated 6th–8th cent CE. They were filled with water. Prayers were recited. The water was drunk and the magic began to work, or not, as the case may be.

182. Brass bowl; with omphalos; row of script on both sides; inner side, covered with script and

gibberish within amorphous geometric forms; outer side, alternating panels of script and

gibberish, 18 × 4.5 cm. ca. 19th cent. Estimate $350 USD

183. Copper bowl; inscribed in center, “Allah”, 13.8 × 4.5; base repaired; ca. 19th/20th cent.

Estimate $200 USD

184. Bronze bowl; with omphalos; covered with f ine Persian style Arabic script; broken, Persia,

ca. 17th cent. Estimate $600 USD

185. Bronze chrome plated bowl; 15 lines of Arabic script with …. In center, 13.3 × 5.1; India; 20th cent.

Estimate $250 USD

183

184

185 182


Crusader Period

The Crusader period in the Levant lasted 200 years from 1095 till 1291. The purpose of the Crusades was to restore the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and install Christianity as the ruling force Jerusalem. Crosses, especially reliquary crosses purportedly containing a piece of the true Cross or the bones of a saint, were popular.

186. Bronze pectoral cross with engraved pentagrams and ‘arrows’, suspension loop, 3.0 × 2.2 × 0.2,

Middle Byzantine. ca. 12th cent. Estimate $300 USD

187. Bronze pectoral amulet; side a: Medusa head in center with snakes around; Greek inscription on

outer perimeter; side B, Greek inscription, “Lord help the wearer”, Byzantine,ca. 9th–12th cent.

According to Ryan 1999, such an amulet was used against snakes. Estimate $600 USD

188. Bronze sword pommel with cross in center; castle on reverse; vestiges of enamel, 2.05 × 1.2.

ca. 11th–13th cent. Estimate $400 USD

189. Bronze sword pommel with cross in center; reverse damaged; vestiges of enamel, 2.35 × 1.15.

ca. 11th–13th cent. Estimate $200 USD

186

188

187

188

187

189


Amulet Cases

Amulet cases are made in many materials, and often dummy cases are made as a piece of jewelry as in the glass amulet case below. The popular word in the Arabic speaking world for such cases is khiyyar, (cucumber) because of the shape. Maimonides was against the use of amulets, but said that if someone is wearing one then it should be in a leather case to prevent it being ritually contaminated if one enters a lavatory.

190. Lead amulet case, inscribed in Arabic; two suspension loops. Andalusia, 1.35 × 1.3 × 0.5, Mediaeval.

Estimate $200 USD

191. Amulet case, gold with six coral and two pearl beads; three suspension loops, 5.65 × 0.7; Middle

East 19th/20th cent. Estimate $400 USD

192. Amulet case; silver, two suspension loops, 4.3 × 0.6 × 1.05, 20th cent. Estimate $100 USD

193. Amulet case, leather; with parchment inscribed in Hebrew with magical tables and stars of David,

4.0 × 2.9 × 1.7, scroll 47.0 × 3.0, 19th/20th cent. Estimate $100 USD

194. Amulet case; leather; paper amulet, now torn, 4.7 × 3.4; 20th cent. Estimate $100 USD

195. Blue and white glass dummy amulet case with suspension loop, 2.85 × 2.2 × 1.5; Mediaeval.

Estimate $300 USD

53

190

193

191

194

192

195


196. Chalcedony dummy amulet case; three suspension loops, 1.8 × 1.2 × 0.85; Mediaeval.

Estimate $100 USD

197. Amulet case, bone; three suspension loops; two damaged, 4.9 × 1.6; Late Antique – mediaeval.

Published in Ayalon and Shorek 1999, p. 65. Estimate $200 USD

198. Amulet case, horn; three suspension loops; some damage, 4.7 × 1.4 × 0.9; Late Antiquemediaeval.

Published in Ayalon and Shorek 1999, p. 65. Estimate $200 USD

199. Silver pendant on chain with two turquoise and cowrie shell children, single coffee pot and two

amulet holders attached, inscribed Ali, ca. 19th/20th cent. For similar necklace from Iraq with a

variety of charms cf. Vukosavović 2010, p.101. Estimate $500 USD

200. Silver plaque; two suspension loops; Arabic/pseudo Arabic inscriptions; geometric and vegetal

decoration, 9.3 × 7.35; Persia; 20th cent. Estimate $75 USD

Amulet Cases

54

196 197 198

199 200


Ecclesiastical Seal Amulets

55

201. Stone bread stamp; depicts patriarch holding cross in procession, surrounded by priests and

warriors; around Greek inscription, 23.5 × 9.5; Monastery of the Cross, Jerusalem 19th/20th cent.

For similar, cf. Ben Yosef 2006, pp. 157, 165. Estimate $2000 USD

202. Stone bread stamp with repetitive ichthuform design, 21.5 × 7.5; Jerusalem, ca. 19th/20th cent.

Estimate $800 USD

203. Silver seal/amulet depicting dove in flight; Greek inscription preceded by cross mentioning

Christ; allegedly the seal of the head of the monastery in Mt. Tavor, ca. 18th/19th cent.

Estimate $150 USD

204. Silver seal/amulet; trihedral; a. depiction of Church; b, Armenian inscription and date 1871; c, coat

of arms- above, crown; in center cross, and two flanking birds; below – heart; everything flanked

by two peacock like devices, 1.7 × 1.25; silver handle; 3.2 × 2.1; 1871. Estimate $250 USD

201

204 204 204

202 203


Animal Parts as Amulets

205. Wolf ’s teeth set in silver, l. 13 cm, ca. 20th cent. Estimate $100 USD

206. Horns of viper set in silver as pendant; two suspension loops, 4.1 × 0.5; ca. 20th cent.

Estimate $150 USD

207. Throat bone of canine, pierced for suspension, 5.4 × 2.3; Palestine, late 19th–early 20th cent. The

throat bone of a wolf was used as an amulet against coughing. Since the sound a wolf made resembled a

human cough, the amulet worked on the principle of sympathetic magic. However, on closer examination

the object turned out to be the throat bone of a dog. Nevertheless, from the considerable wear on the

bone it was obviously in use for a long time. Estimate $100 USD

The Rabbinical authorities forbad the use of animal parts as amulets. They also forbad the use of amulets. Maimonides in particular spoke out against amulets. There is, however, more to this than meets the eye. By forbidding the use of amulets particularly animal parts, but at the same time allowing a limited use of written amulets by permitted practitioners, the Rabbinical authorities were creating a monopoly of the amulet trade by an educated few, a small coterie of Rabbis.

56

205

206

207


Greek Orthodox Votive Objects

When a member of the Greek Orthodox Church had a wish or a medical problem they would buy a votive relating to the particular issue and donate it to a church. The wax candle would be given by a woman who had had a miscarriage, and this would ensure a safe pregnancy. Likewise the votive leg would be given by someone who had a leg complaint.

57

208. Wax candle, figure of child, 38 × 9.5 cm, Cyprus/Greece mid. 20th cent. Estimate $100 USD

209. Wax candle, bust of child, 21 × 10.5 cm, Cyprus/Greece, mid 20th cent. Estimate $50 USD

210. Silver leg, with suspension loop, 5.3 × 4.0 × 0.05, Greece, 20th cent. Estimate $25 USD

208 209 210


Christian Zionism

Christian Zionism is essentially Protestant and derives from their wanting the Jews to return to the Land of Israel to speed on the coming of the Messiah.

211. Rock crystal gem; in center headless woman; inscribed “Peace on Israel”, 1.7 × 1.45 x1.1;

England; ca. 18th–19th cent. The headless woman represents the Jewish people, a people

without a land. Estimate $350 USD

212. Silver Star of David, with cross in center; stamped characters, perhaps imitating Hebrew

letters on both sides of the lower triangle, 20th cent. Estimate $50 USD

58

211 212


Christian Kabbalah

Kabbalah was practiced also by Christians. Amulets connected to this can be identified by Latin inscriptions and garbled Hebrew script.

213. Silver disc; round; pierced for suspension. Side A: in center magical table comprising 16 squares each with one or two Hebrew letters; between inner and outer linear borders two carelessly executed Hebrew words and number 136. Side B: in center four drawings three with circle finials, as on Kabbalistic amulets; between inner and outer linear borders Latin inscription, “I confirm God is the most powerful”; pierced for suspension, 4.5 × 0.1; ca. 17/18th cent. or later The Latin inscription and careless Hebrew mark this as a Christian Kabbalah amulet. Estimate $150 USD

214. Silver disc, round; in center magical table with sixteen squares each with single letter; between inner and outer linear borders four misunderstood Hebrew words including two Tetragrammatons, 3.6 × 0.1; ca. 17th–18th cent or later. Christian kabbalah amulet. Estimate $150 USD

215. Bronze medallion with suspension loop; side a, in center pentagram with characters in corners and angles; surrounded by circle of characters; outer circle of Hebrew letters making no apparent sense; side b, tetragrammaton in center; circle of characters; outer circle of mixed Latin letters and

various characters, 3.45 × 0.4; 20th century. Estimate $50 USD

59

215 215

213 213 214


Stones with Different Properties

Different stones are ascribed different properties. Bloodstone because of the color and name is used as an amulet to cure blood diseases and circulatory illnesses. It is also kept by many for good luck. Milky colored stones are used by lactating peasant women in the Middle East to increase their milk yield.

216. Bloodstone seal/amulets; a. plant surrounded by Hebrew mirror inscription, וואליד ו״הי ״ן חיים ה״ע 0.3 × 1.45 × 1.75; b. side a, in center two cursive Latin letters ‘MS’; around Hebrew inscription,

The young Moshe Selvira S”T; side b, two Latin letters in center, ‘IB’, around, “The young Isaac

Barchach, HYW’; c. plant in centre surrounded by Hebrew inscription, (3), 1.6 × 1.45 × 0.4;

‘Morocco, ca. 19th/20th. Estimate $600 USD

217. Bloodstone seal amulet, depicts Seal of Solomon/Star of David in combination with Arabic

script and geometric configurations; rectangular with cut corners, 1.6 × 1.5 Morocco, ca.

19th/20th cent. Estimate $200 USD

218. Bloodstone seal/amulet; trihedral; a. Armenian inscription and date 1862; b, Arabic inscription;

c, blank;, 1.6 × 1.4; silver handle; 4.15 × 2.1; 1862. Estimate $250 USD

219. Fossilised shell set in base metal mount;, 4.1 × 2.2; ca. Late antique. Estimate $100 USD

60

216

217

216

218

216

219


220. Wooden soap mould depicting Adam and Eve f lanking the Tree of Knowledge, 7.2 × 1.4; Jerusalem, late 19th cent. Published in Fisher, 1979, pl. 55. Estimate $500 USD

221. Wooden soap mould depicting the Church of the Holy Sepulcher; 6.45 × 1.75; Jerusalem, late 19th cent. Published in Fisher, 1979, pl. 53. Estimate $500 USD

222. Olive wood and shell seal depicting Jerusalem cross within shield; Jerusalem inscribed in Latin characters in mirror script; Jerusalem inscribed on handle in Hebrew, 7.6 × 4.0; Jerusalem 19th cent. Estimate $500 USD

223. As above depicting the dove with olive branch; Jerusalem inscribed in Hebrew above; Jerusalem in Hebrew on handle, Jerusalem, 19th cent. Estimate $500 USD

224. Bronze pilgrim token, obverse male portrait facing right; reverse, Madonna and child, Pope as supplicant and two angels, Late 19th cent. Estimate $50 USD

225. Bronze pilgrim token, obverse male portrait facing left; reverse: on left, hand of Peter holding keys to the Garden of Eden; on right pilgrim holding staff; pierced for suspension, 2.2 × 1.9 × 0.2;

late 19th cent. Estimate $50 USD

Pilgrim Souvenirs

Most pilgrimage destinations produce souvenirs, to finance and maintain the activities of the sites visited. By and large the motifs and formulae on the souvenirs are amuletic to some degree.

61

221

224

222

224

223

220

225


226. Bezalel wood and brass plaque with Moses and the Ten Commandments, 14.0 × 7.2 × 1.1;

Jerusalem ca. 1920 Acquired in Greenock, Scotland in the 1920’s from a soldier who took part in

the conquest of Jerusalem under Allenby. Estimate $1500 USD

227. Ceramic tile; f loral and geometric decoration; inscribed ‘What God Wills’, 16.4 × 16.0 × 2.0;

Ohanessian, Jerusalem, ca. 1923–1930. Estimate $500 USD

228. Ceramic vase, glazed with f loral and geometric decoration; inscribed, ‘What God Wills’,

Ohanessian, Jerusalem; ca. 1930–48. Estimate $5000 USD

Arts and Crafts from Mandatory Palestine

The arts and crafts industry in any city gears itself to the needs and tastes of potential customers. During the mandate period in Palestine there was a captive audience of British and Commonwealth soldiers. Even if they did not spend much individually their numbers supported a substantial souvenir industry.

62

226 227 228


229. Silver pectoral pendant; side a, six lines of script, taken from the bible; b, magical square comprising nine units containing the word נסי ; surrounded by four words, ,כבלע יט פנואל אנוסה 0.05 × 4.4; late 19th to middle 20th cent. Samaritan amulets written in Samaritan script the last remaining vestige of the Hebrew script from the First Temple period. Estimate $200 USD

230. Silver pectoral pendant; side a, five lines of script separated by dividing lines; b, five lines of script separated by dividing lines; geometric configuration comprising triangle and lines, 3.6 × 0.2; Late


Modern Samaritan Amulets

The small Samaritan community which by 1900 had shrunk to around 150, was still reknowned for making amulets. Arabs from all walks of life from all over the Middle East contacted the Samaritans for protective amulets. For an article on modern Samaritan amulets cf. Schrire 1970; Schrire 1972;

63

229

230 230

229


231. Silver mezuzah case, filigree; with parchment, stamped Jerusalem,

935; 9.2 × 1.95 × 0.3; Mandate period. Estimate $200 USD

232. Bronze rectangular Hebrew seal/amulet; side a ‘Joshua son of Isaac, the young man’, 2.25 × 2.0 × 0.15; ca. 17th–18th cent. Side b - unidentified. Estimate $200 USD

233. Silver Hebrew pectoral Amulet, inscribed letter ‘Heh’ in center; around; ‘born Monday 12th Tammuz 1765’; side B, ewer in center, around ‘Bila daughter of K.Yehuda Segal’, Germany, ca. 1765.

Estimate $500 USD

Mezuzah and Tefillin

Jewish Amulets

The mezuzah is a cased parchment inscribed with Biblical verses, the principal among them, Shma Yisrael affixed to the lintel of a Jewish house. Since it protects the house it has amuletic properties. Likewise tefillin which an orthodox Jewish male above the age of 13 places on his head and left arm in the morning contains Biblical verses the principal among them, once again Shma Yisrael. Whether Mezuzah and Tefillin are indeed amulets is not clear. Since they are part of the official religion many consider that they are not amulets. Others consider that they are amulets because of the nature of the verses contained in them.

Everyone is touched by superstition

to one degree or another, manifesting

itself in different ways in different

societies.

Pectoral amulets were much commoner

among the Middle Eastern Jewish

communities than among Ashkenazi

Communities. Yet the phrase “kein

enhore” (against the evil eye) was

ubiquitous among Ashkenazi Jews.

64

231

233233

232 232


234. Bronze fish; details delineated; two protrusions for suspension on rear, 10.3 × 4.9 cm. Tunisia, ca. 18th/19th cent. Estimate $100 USD

235. Gold fish; suspension loop, 4.75 × 1.9 × 0.2; 2.0 grams; Tunisia, 20th cent. Estimate $150 USD236. Gold heart; suspension loop, inscribed.3.0 ;0.2 × 2.55 × 3.05 .grams; Tunisia 20th cent שדי

Estimate $261 USD237. Gold rectangular amulet case with suspension loop on lid; inscribed side a, שדי , side b letter ;ה

3.8 ;0.35 × 2.0 × 2.1 grams; Tunisia; 20th cent. Estimate $285 USD238. Gold hamsa; floral openwork design, 6.7 × 4.3 × 0.5; 9.5 grams; 20th cent. Estimate $720 USD239. Gold hamsa; floral openwork design, 5.7 × 4.15 × 0.7; 9.5 grams; 20th cent. Estimate $720 USD

240. Gold hamsa; f loral openwork design, 3.5 x2.7 × 0.6; 3.5 grams; 20th cent. Estimate $265 USD

Amulets from Tunisia

The following amulets are typical of the Jewish community in Tunisia in general. Some of them are uniquely Djerban an island community, which by virtue of its relative isolation had its own material culture. The community can be viewed as a time warp. With the exception of the bronze fish most of the other types are being produced today and are used by members of the community. The fish was a common fertility amulet among Tunisian Jews. The bowls were filled with medicine which was then drunk, a different application to the bowls we know from Sassanian Persia and the Islamic Levant.

65

235

238

234

236

239

237

240


241. Gold hamsa; f loral openwork design, 5.4 × 4.15 × 0.7; chain 30cm.; 30.5 grams. 20th cent.

Estimate $2300 USD

242. Gold semicircle; f loral openwork design; above, hamsa f lanked by two f ish; f ive hanging

chains with two hamsas, one f ish and two plaques inscribed ‘Shaddai’, from 6.7 × 4.3 × 0.5;

30.6 grams. 20th cent. Estimate $2300 USD

243. Gold fish; f ive chains with three hamsas and two pendants; suspension loop, 8.4 × 4.7 × 0.1;

14.0 grams. 20th cent. Estimate $1050 USD

244. Silver hamsa; floral openwork design; suspension loop;, 7.35 × 4.7 × 0.15; Estimate $100 USD

245. Silver hamsa; f loral openwork design; applied ‘shin’; suspension loop, 6.7 × 4.45 × 0.15;

Estimate $100 USD

246. Silver hamsa; f loral openwork design; suspension loop, 8.1 × 4.95 × 0.1; Estimate $100 USD


66

241

244

242

245

243

246


247. Silver hamsa; floral openwork design; suspension loop, 6.8 × 4.4 × 0.12; Estimate $100 USD248. Silver spoon; Ottoman hallmark; on bowl, hamsa with ‘heh’; on back of handle, ‘Raphael the Angel’, fish,

16.8 × 3.1 × 0.13; Estimate $100 USD249. Silver spoon; star of David with ‘Tsade’ and f lower in niello; star of David and ‘shin’ in bowl,

14.0 × 2.8 × 0.3; Iraq; Estimate $100 USD250. Silver spoon; hamsa incorporating face; above ‘heh’; originally with flower in niello; inscribed in Hebrew

‘Shin Mem’, Arabic hallmarks, 11.4 × 2.1 × 0.16; Iraq. Estimate $100 USD251. Silver spoon; Russian 84 hallmarks before the revolution; originally with engraved floral designs; modern

inscription on bowl, ‘Wine blessing Raphael to the circumcised’, 13.2 × 2.55 × 0.2; Estimate $100 USD252. Silver spoon; inscribed on bowl,’ Raphael’, 12.5 × 2.35 × 0.25; Estimate $100 USD253. Silver disc; openwork design composed of star of David, crescent, star, floral and vegetal motifs; suspension

loop, 6.4 × 0.16; Estimate $100 USD254. Silver disc; openwork design composed of star of David, crescent, star, floral and vegetal motifs; suspension

loop, 6.4 × 0.16; Estimate $100 USD255. Silver disc; openwork design composed of star of David, crescent, fish and floral motifs; suspension loop,

7.95 × 4.3 × 0.1; Estimate $100 USD


67

247

250

253

248

251

254

249

252

255


256. Silver hamsa; openwork f loral design; suspension loop, 3.6 × 2.8 × 0.1; Estimate $75 USD

257. Silver hamsa; openwork f loral design; suspension loop, 3.6 × 2.7 × 0.1; Estimate $75 USD

258. Silver hamsa; openwork floral design; suspension loop, 3.4 × 2.55 × 0.13; Estimate $75 USD

259. Silver hamsa; inscribed TsMRCD; suspension loop, 3.05 × 2.0 × 0.06; Estimate $75 USD

260. Silver hamsa; set with four stones; suspension loop, 3.95 × 1.6 × 0.35; Estimate $75 USD

261. Silver hamsa; set with three stones; suspension loop, 4.2 × 1.6 × 0.4; Estimate $75 USD


68

256

259

257

260

258

261


262. Silver hamsa; depicting two fish; inscribed בצע“ש ,בפע“ע ,בפ“י; suspension loop, 7.5 × 4.15 × 0.08;

Estimate $100 USD

263. Silver hamsa; depicting eye; inscribed בפ“י, ,בפע“ע ;suspension loop, 5.8 × 4.6 × 0.07 ; בצע“ש

Estimate $100 USD

264. Silver hamsa; depicting Star of David; inscribed בצע“ש ,בפע“ע ,בפ“י ; suspension loop, 6.6 × 4.05 × 0.07;

Estimate $100 USD


69

262

263

262

264

263

264


265. Silver hamsa; depicting two fish with eye between them; inscribed שטן ,suspension loop ;קרע

5.9 × 3.35 × 0.07; Estimate $100 USD

266. Silver hamsa; depicting star; side b, depicts Star of David and inscribed שדי ; suspension loop,

5.35 × 2.75 × 0.07; Estimate $100 USD

267. Silver plaque; inscribed side a, אהיה ; side b, אלד ; two suspension loops, 2.5 × 2.35 × 0.15;

Estimate $75 USD


70

265

266

265

267

266

267


Iraqi Amulets

268. Silver bowl; inside Star of David composed of six lozenges; inside each a letter; in each

angle a letter; around the rim inscribed’ the Angel Raphael ’, 8.9 × 4.2; 94.0 grams; Tunisia;

20th cent. Estimate $200 USD

269. Silver bowl; inside star of David composed of hexagon and six triangles; in hexagon ‘ עניני ’; in

triangles single letter, 5.7 × 2.7; 25.3 grams; Iraq; 20th cent. Estimate $75 USD

270. Gold ten commandments in frame of stylized heart, above star of David inscribed “ ;”ציון

suspension loop, 3.0 × 2.6 × 0.5; 3.9 grams; Iraq 20th cent. Estimate $300 USD

271. Gold hamsa, set with turquoise, inscribed “ 3.15 ,”2.0 ;0.2 × 1.95 × שדי grams; Iraq 20th cent.

Estimate $150 USD

272. Gold hamsa, inscribed “ 3.6 ,”2.6 ;0.5 × 2.1 × שדי grams; Iraq 20th cent. Estimate $200 USD

273. Gold star of David circle; inscribed “ שדי ”. Suspension loop, diam. 1.6 × 0.6; 1.2 grams; 20th cent.

Estimate $100 USD

71

268

271

269

272

270

273


Sephardi Amulets

274. Hebrew inscribed silver ring with magical table of nine letters, names of angels, letters in the Kabbalistic manner with circle finials and amuletic formulae; inscribed on both sides, diam. of bezel 2.9; width of shank 1.2; shank broken, part missing; ca. 19th/20th cent. Estimate $200 USD

275. Copper and dark and light blue, white, green and red enamel bowl with Hebrew inscription, ‘Ben Porat Yosef Ben Porat Yosef, 14 × 7 cm. Syria 19th. 20th cent. Estimate $700 USD

276. Silver and niello amulet; inscribed; two suspension loops; suspended from base metal chain with two silver and niello amulet cases; each with three suspension loops, 7.2 × 1.6; 8. × 7.4 × 0.2; Persia late 19th early 20th cent.; chain and amulet holders not originally assembled together. Cf. Shahar 1971: pl. 951 for shape and inscription. Estimate $700 USD

277. Agate cameo depicting Rachel’s Tomb, agate 1.2 × 0.95; Jerusalem ca. 1920 set in modern silver mount by Rafi Grafman. Estimate $100 USD

278. Gold plaque depicting heavenly Jerusalem; above Jerusalem inscribed in Hebrew; suspension loop, 1.8 × 1.35 × 0.1; 20th cent. Estimate $100 USD

279. Silver Hamsa with banded agate eye bead; Hebrew inscriptions; two fingers missing, 4.25 × 2.6 ×

0.8; Eretz Yisrael, 20th century. Estimate $200 USD

72

274

277

275

278

276

279


280. Silver hamsa inscribed, ‘Ben Porat Yosef PAA’; suspension loop; repaired, 3.55 × 2.2 × 0.5; 20th cent.

Estimate $200 USD

281. Silver piriform amulet inscribed ‘Shma Yisrael ’, 6.3 × 3.7 × 0.08; ca. 19th/20th cent.

Estimate $150 USD

282. Silver round amulet inscribed with names of angels Sanoi, Sansanoi and Semangelof, TsMRCD

etc., diam. 4.4 × 0.1; 20th cent. Estimate $200 USD283. Silver rectangular pendant with cut corners, inscribed ‘TsMRCD’, 2.7 × 2.1; 19th/20th cent

small chain attached. Estimate $100 USD

284. Silver hamsa inscribed, with tetragrammaton and TsMRCD; Suspension loop, 3.9 × 3.2 × 0.05. 20th

cent. TsMRCD is made up of the last letters of the first five verses of Genesis. Estimate $200 USD

285. Silver round pectoral amulet; inscribed on both sides; mentions eclipse of the moon and damage

of the day and night; two suspension loops, Diam. 3.5 × 0.1; ca. 19th/20th. Estimate $250 USD

Sephardi Amulets

73

280

283

281

284

282

285


286. Silver gilt Hebrew pectoral amulet in shape of domed building; from top to bottom: cut out letter

‘heh’; palindrome; magical table; 4 rivers from Eden in every permutation, 5.1 × 3.5 × 0.1.ca.


287. Gold rectangular amulet with stepped crown; cut out ‘Heh’; cable border; suspension loop, 2.2 ×

1.45x 0.03; 20th cent. Estimate $200 USD

288. Silver rectangular amulet; pressed ‘Heh’; dotted and linear border; suspension loop, 2.9 × 2.45

× 0.15. ca. 20th cent. Estimate $100 USD

289. Silver rectangular amulet with eight lines of magical words and names; two suspension loops,

now damaged, 5.35 × 5.15 × 0.15; Kurdistan 19th/20th cent. Estimate $150 USD

Sephardi Amulets

74

285

287

286

288

286

289


290. Agate set in silver, with two loops on the reverse; inscribed in five lines 1. The spies; 2. and 3. abecedary

inscription with flower and Star of David; 4. and 5. Joseph son of Moshe, 2.8 × 0.6; diam.2.8 × 0.6,

Persia 20th cent. For similar cf. Davis and Frankel 1995: pl. 117. Estimate $60 USD

291. Silver concave rectangular amulet with clipped corners; three lines of Hebrew abbreviations;

f lower in center; on back engraved name of client, Miriam daughter of Malka; four suspension

loops, 8.7 × 6.5 × 0.Persia, 20th cent. Estimate $250 USD

292. Silver Shiviti amulet, depicting seven branched menorah and covered in inscriptions; suspension

loop, 7.8 × 4.1 × 0.05. Persia. 20th cent. Estimate $100 USD

293. Silver pendant; oval; inscribed Shaddai on both sides; suspension loop, 4.7 × 3.5 × 0.1; ca.


294. Silver pendant; rectangular with suspension loop; inscribed Shaddai on one side, 2.6 × 2.1 ×

0.05. 20th cent. Estimate $50 USD

295. Metal pendant; side a, letter ‘heh’ stamped Jerusalem in Hebrew; side b, Star of David; suspension

loop, 3.75 x2.7 × 0.05. Jerusalem, 20th cent. Estimate $100 USD

Sephardi Amulets

75

290

293

291

294

292

295


296. Pyriform silver amulet inscribed ‘Satan’, 4.35 × 3.7 × 0.06; 20th cent. Estimate $100 USD

297. Silver pendant, rectangular; Side A – 28 letters of angel script in four lines. Side B – name of wearer

‘Ben Tsion Hai YTs’V, Son of Abigail’; two suspension loops, 5.5 × 4.95 × 0.05. Late 20th cent. The

letters have circle finials which are characteristic of Kabbalistic texts. Estimate $50 USD

298. Three parchment square amulets; inscribed in center in two lines ‘Jerusalem Shaddai’; on four

sides, Raphael, Gabriel; Michael, Nuriel; Tsamarcad, Agla; Uriel, 6.6 cm sq., Jerusalem 20th cent.

Estimate $150 USD

Sephardi Amulets

76

295

298

296 297

297


Freemasons

Miscellaneous

299. Masonic gold pendant

(9ct) , England 20th cent.

Estimate $200 USD

The ceremonies of the freemasons are connected to Solomon and the building of the Temple. Therefore their paraphernalia is replete with the tools of surveyors and builders.

300. Brass seal, for sealing letters with wax, in shape of chess pawn depicting a thistle, the Scottish

national f lower, which as such could be construed as having amuletic properties. Scotland Late

19th early 20th cent. Estimate $50 USD

301. Bronze comb with suspension loop, Arabesque decoration, ca. 19th/20th cent. Estimate $50 USD

302. Wooden rod; inscribed with throne verse in Arabic; pentagrams;, Morocco; ca. 19th/20th cent.

Estimate $100 USD

77

299

300 301 302

299


Miscellaneous

303. Ae standard for procession of Nabi Mussa; damaged at head, 37.0 × 16.5; Palestine ca. 20th cent.

Estimate $200 USD

304. Stamp, with Star of David, inscribed ‘slaughtered kosher’, Diam. 3.5 × 3.1 cm. Ukraine

ca. 19th/20th cent. The amuletic aspect of this seal is in the use of the Star of David.

Estimate $1000 USD

305. Paratroopers’ wings, with suspension loop, 1.8 × 1.1 × 0.1; 0.7 gram 14 carat gold. Israel, ca. 1960s/70s.

Estimate $75 USD

306. Silver paratroopers’ wings, 2.2 × 0.95 × 0.1; Israel ca. 1950s/60s. Estimate $50 USD

307. Silver aeroplane; with stars of David depicted on wings;, 3.05 × 1.5 × 0.2; Israel ca. 1950s/60s.

Estimate $50 USD

308. Silver pendant depicting star of David in center, two addorsed birds, two opposing birds; inscribed

Shaddai, the tetragrammaton, and amuletic formulae; two suspension loops, ca. 8 × 6 cm. in the

Persian style, Israel, late 20th cent. Estimate $200 USD

78

303

306

304

307

305

308


309. Similar pendant with two fish and two dolphins;, 8.0 × 6.0; 20th cent. Estimate $200 USD

310. Similar pendant with two lions flanking menorah; two pairs of birds flanking, 8.2 × 6.0; 20th cent.

Estimate $200 USD

311. Similar with f loral motifs, two fish two birds, 8.0 × 6.1; 20th cent. Estimate $200 USD

312. Shiviti, on parchment, 29. × 24.0; 20th cent. Text on painted background of f lowers and birds

Estimate $300 USD

313. Shiviti on parchment, 30 × 19; 20th cent. Side a: shiviti. Side b: religious texts. Europe, end 18th cent.

Estimate $250 USD

314. Mizrach on parchment, 11.00 × 8.5; 20th cent. Six lines of text focused on the tetragrammaton.

Estimate $200 USD

Miscellaneous

79

309

312

310

313

311

314


315. 5 Paper amulets, 20th cent. Texts, magical names, magical tables, ‘angel’ script.

Estimate $120 USD

316. 6 Parchment amulets, 20th cent. Texts, magical names, magical tables, symbols and ‘angel’ script.

Estimate $120 USD

317. Parchment amulet, 16.5 × 8.5; 20th cent 16 lines of magical names and angel script.

Estimate $120 USD

Miscellaneous

80

315 316 316

316 316

316

317316


318. Parchment amulet , “Ilan Ha-Kadoch”, 43.5 × 3.25 cm; 18th cent. Inscribed with tree of life.

(abraded) Extremely damaged. Estimate $100 USD

319. Parchment shiviti (framed), 15.0 × 9.5 cm; 19th cent. Estimate $200 USD

320. Six amulets in stitched leather and cloth holders, 20th cent. Estimate $90 USD

321. Five parchment amulets, 20th cent. Religious text, angels’ names, magical words and symbolism,

kabbalistic script. Estimate $70 USD

Miscellaneous

81

319

321

321

320

321 321318


322. Parchment amulet, 55 × 4; 20th cent. Religious text, angels’ names, magical words and symbolism,


323. Paper amulet, 20th cent. Religious text, angels’ names, magical words and symbolism,


324. Parchment amulet, 62 × 4.25; 20th cent Texts, magical names, magical tables, ‘angel’ script,

f igures. Estimate $80 USD

325. Closed base metal amulet case, 5.0 × 3.5 cm; 20th cent. Presumably containing amulet.

Estimate $50 USD

326. Carnelian scaraboid; pierced; Cow suckling calf, 1.5 × 1.3 × 0.9; ca. 10th cent BCE Quartz and

hematite group. Estimate $300 USD

Miscellaneous

82

321

322

323 324 326

325


327. Garnet gemstone; three sheaves of grain, linear border; some abrasion, 1.1 × 0.8 × 0.3; ca. 1st–3rd cent. Such a gemstone, devoid of imagery, could have been worn by an observant Jew.

Estimate $500 USD

328. Garnet gem stone; f ist holding caduceus and two poppies, ca. 2nd–3rd cent CE.

Estimate $250 USD

329. Conoid banded agate; pierced, depicting zebu, 2.6 × 2.1 × 1.6; ca. 6th cent BCE. Estimate $500 USD

330. Conoid brown steatite; pierced, man standing between two ostriches, 2.5 × 2.7 × 2.25; ca. 9th cent BCE, Israel. Estimate $300 USD

331. Scaraboid brown steatite; pierced, two figures flanking tree (Ashera), 1.7 × 1.3 × 0.8, ca. 9th–8th cent. Estimate $250 USD

332. Silver pectoral amulet with suspension loop, Persia, ca. early 20th cent. Two facing figures;

text around perimeter. Estimate $220 USD

Miscellaneous

83

328

331

329

332

327

330


333. Silver pectoral amulet in shape of domed building, late 19th/early 20th cent. Inscribed Abraham,

Isaac and Jacob. Estimate $150 USD

334. Silver pectoral amulet in the style of Persian/Kurdish amulets from the 19th–20th cent., obviously

late 20th cent., with such words as “Sadat”, “Americans” and “Egypt”. Estimate $120 USD

335. Silver rectangular pectoral amulet, 20th cent. Seven lines of script, including ‘tear Satan’, other

magical words and Magen David. Modern. Estimate $120 USD

336. Silver pectoral amulet rectangular with scalloped dome at top, 20th cent. Ten lines of script,

with magical words including ‘tear Satan’. Estimate $100 USD

337. Brass bowl, 20th cent. Table of 14 × 14 lines of magical characters many similar to Arabic letters.

Estimate $120 USD

Miscellaneous

84

334

336

335

337

333

335


338. Italian amulet on paper in the shape of eye Hebrew and Italian script, 18 × 27, 18th cent.

Estimate $180 USD

339. Middle bronze coin of Bar Kochba pierced as a pectoral amulet, Diam. 2.3 × 0.2; 132–135 CE. Was

probably pierced shortly after the rebellion. Obv: Palm branch; inscribed in archaizing Hebrew script

of First Temple Period,” Shim’on”. Obv; Vine leaf; worn inscription. Estimate $400 USD

340. Bronze bead of rectangular cross section, 1.35 × 0.65 × 0.5. ca. 2nd–7th cent CE. Inscribed in

Greek. a. ΚΑω b. ωΛΑ; c. ΝΑΕ; d. ωωΑΑ. Estimate $250 USD

Miscellaneous

85

339

340

340

340

338

340


341. Fragmentary glass gnostic gem, 3.0 × 1.5 × 0.4. ca. 2nd–3rd cent CE. Crowned deity on right

holding cornucopia and spear; on left, crowned deity holding pomegranate. Between them crescent.

Estimate $50 USD

342. Fragmentary green Gnostic gem, 1.6 × 1.6 × 0.4; ca. 2nd–3rd cent CE. Horus seated holding orb

and scepter; on reverse four lines of Greek letters; around perimeter. Estimate $200 USD

343. Banded agate scaraboid seal/amulet, 2.0 × 1.8 × 0.9; ca. 7th–6th cent BCE. Back polished to create

eye effect; On base supplicant and cult symbol. Estimate $200 USD

344. Whitish stone set in base metal pendant, 3.8 × 2.0 × 1.4; 19th–20th cent. Whitish stone used to

increase milk of mothers. Estimate $100 USD

Miscellaneous

86

342

343

342

344

341

343


345. Silver pectoral pendant with two suspension loops, 8.1 × 6.1 × 0.1; Late 20th cent. Tetragrammaton, magical words, f loral decoration. Estimate $100 USD

346. Silver pectoral pendant with suspension loop, 3.1 × 3.8 × 0.1; Early–mid 20th cent. Inscribed with Tetragrammaton, TsMRCD; ShDY. Estimate $150 USD

347. Carnelian pendant, rectangle within design of crisscrossing diagonal lines; set in silver mount with seven Late Ottoman silver coins, A fine example of an older artifact having its life extended by being reset in a silver mount. Estimate $150 USD

348. Silver pendant inscribed “mashallah”; five Ottoman silver coins attached, 4.4 × 4.0 × 0.1; Egypt/

Palestine early 20th cent. Estimate $150 USD

Miscellaneous

87

346 347345

348


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1. Amiet, P. Sumer Assur Babylon. Musee Du Petit Palais, Paris 1981.

2. Ariel, D. Excavations at the City of David 1978-1985. Vol. II, Qedem 30, Jerusalem 1990.

3. Aufrecht, W. A Corpus of Ammonite Inscriptions. Lampeter 1989.

4. Avigad, N. and Sass, B. Corpus of West Semitic Seals. Jerusalem 1997.

5. Ayalon, E and Sorek, C. Bare Bones – Ancient Artifacts from Animal Bones. Tel Aviv 1999.

6. Ben Yossef , N. Bread - daily and divine. Jerusalem 2006.

7. Bohak, G. Ancient Jewish Magic. Oxford. 2008.

8. Davis, E. & Frankel, D. The Hebrew Amulet, biblical,medical,general. Jerusalem 1995 (Heb)

9. Epstein, C. The Chalcolithic Culture of the Golan. IAA Jerusalem 1998.

10. Fisher, Y. Arts and Crafts in the Land of Israel in the 19th century. Jerusalem 1979 (Hebrew).

11. Garfinkel, Y. The Yarmukians, Neolithic Art from Sha’ar Hagolan. Jerusalem 1999.

12. Keel, O., Keel-Leu, H. and Schroer, S. Studien zu den Stempelsiegeln aus Palastina/Israel OBO 88. Freiburg 1989.

13. Loffreda, S. Lucerne Bizantine, In Terra Santa Con Iscrizioni in Greco. Jerusalem 1989.

14. Makhouly, N. Rock-Cut Tombs at El Jish. QDAP 8, vol. 1942, pp. 30-33, 45-50.

15. Naveh, J. Lamp Inscriptions and Inverted Writing. IEJ vol. 38. Pp. 36-46.

16. Platt, E. Bone Pendants, Biblical Archaeologist 41: pp. 23-8. 1978.

17. Rahmani, L.Y. Mirror Plaques. IEJ vol. 14, 1964, pp. 50-60.

18. Schrire, T. Hebrew Amulets, Their Decipherment and Interpretation. London 1966.

19. Schrire, T. A Kabbalistic Samaritan Amulet. IEJ. Vol. 20, pp. 109-112.

20. Schrire, T. Samaritan Amulets, ‘Yat’ and Exodus 14:20. IEJ vol. 22, pp.153-155.

21. Spaer, M. Ancient Glass in the Israel Museum. Beads and Other Small Objects. Jerusalem 2001.

22. Stark, S. Wolfe Family Collection of Near Eastern Prehistoric Stamp Seals. OBO 16 Fribourg 1997.

23. Stern, E. The Material Culture of the Land of Israel in the Persian Period. Jerusalem 1982.

24. Trachtenberg, J. Jewish Magic and Superstition. New York 1977.

25. Vukosavoviz, F. Angels and Demons. Jewish Magic through the Ages. Jerusalem 2010.

26. Westenholz, J. Images of Inspiration. The Old Testament in Early Christian Art. Jerusalem 2000.

27. Winkler, H. Siegel und Charaktere in der Mohammedanischen Zauberei. 1930.

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