Two manuscript documents recording the history of the Jewish Converso family Dela Cavalleria of the island of Mallorca:
1. Manuscript on parchment – Contract signed between Fernando Dela Cavalleria and his mother, Beatriz, concerning the family’s property. Mallorca, 1536. Latin and Catalan.
The contract stipulates Fernando’s obligations toward his widowed mother, Beatriz, and his brothers – Francisco, Pancho, and Geronimo. Under its terms, Fernando undertakes to provide food and lodging for his mother and brothers. The agreement also defines his rights to the inheritance expected upon his mother’s death.
Signed before witnesses and before the notary Antonio Bosfa, whose elaborate notarial sign designed as a compass rose appears at the foot of the document. On the verso, a contemporary handwritten summary of the contract.
Approx. 30X36 cm. Good-fair condition. Minor tears, creases, and stains. Fold marks. Stamp on verso.
2. Manuscript Genealogy of the Dela Cavalleria family. [Mallorca, ca. 18th century]. Spanish.
A genealogical chart of the noble family of Conversos Dela Cavalleria, whose members lived for several generations on the island of Mallorca. The chart notes the family’s marriage connections with the Orlandis family of Pisa, Italy, as well as with other noble families, including the Pardo and Vivot families.
The first leaf features a large full-page hand-drawn coat of arms.
The Dela Cavalleria family (also spelled Caballeria), of Converso origin, was among the most prominent Jewish families of Zaragoza (Aragon, northeastern Iberian Peninsula). They traced their ancestry to the Ben Lavi family, whose notable members included Don Vidal Ben Lavi (correspondent of Rabbi Isaac ben Sheshet [Rivash] on various halachic matters), Solomon Ben Lavi (translator of Emuna Ramah), Rabbi Shimon Lavi, kabbalist and author of the piyyut "Bar Yochai", and others. The name "Dela Cavalleria" originated in the 13th century, from the family’s close association with the Knights Templar (L'Orde dels Pobres Cavallers de Crist i del Temple de Salomó in Catalan).
Several members of the family served in public office and in the service of the kings of Aragon, were patrons of the arts, and acquired noble titles. Following the anti-Jewish riots of 1391, some descendants converted to Christianity, and the family split into several branches. During the 15th century, a central branch settled in Mallorca, and several places in Mallorca and Menorca still bear the family's name.
The Orlandis family, an important noble family originating in Pisa, Italy, settled a branch in Mallorca, and in the 18th century intermarried with the Dela Cavalleria family (as documented in the present family tree).
[3] leaves. 31.5 cm. Good condition. Wear and stains. Minor marginal tears. Later additions in pencil (English). Modern binding.
