Three Amulet Cases – Iran – Inscriptions for Protection and Defense

Three Amulet Cases – Iran – Inscriptions for Protection and Defense
Three amulet cases with engraved Hebrew inscriptions for protection and defense. Iran, [late 19th or early 20th century].
Silver, cast and engraved / engraved sheet silver.
In general, an amulet case would be treated like a piece of jewelry – and be passed on as an inheritance from one generation to the next – whereas the parchment inside was inscribed with a particular individual in mind, that is, personalized and not transferable. In other words, the cases were preserved but their contents were constantly exchanged. Even when amulet cases were adorned with vegetal or geometric patterns, engraved inscriptions were the exception and not the rule. The present objects therefore represent uncommon instances of amulet cases whose inscriptions turn them into actual amulets in their own right.
1. Large cylindrical case. Engraved Hebrew inscriptions with acronym of "Ana Bekoach," representing a 42-letter name of G-d; initials of angels and a 22-letter name of G-d. Length: 9 cm. Width: 2.5 cm.
2. Six-sided case. Hebrew inscriptions – most likely initials – not easily decipherable, but ending with the owner's name, "...daughter of Rahel (?)." Length: 7 cm. Width: 1.5 cm. Warping.
3. Six-sided case. Engraved Hebrew inscriptions with acronym of "Ana Bekoach", representing a 42-letter name of G-d; initials of several verses. Length: 6.5 cm. Width: 1 cm.
Reference: Feuchtwanger Collection, p. 228, item nos. 804-12.