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.

Two amulets for women, to be worn on the arm. Iran or Afghanistan, [late 19th or early 20th century].
Silver, cast and engraved; chased.
Two amulets shaped like elegant, slightly convex cartouches, each with two suspension loops on back.
1. Surface entirely covered with Hebrew initials of verses, and names of angels. Back engraved with name of amulet owner: "Konza daughter of Gani." 9X7 cm.
2. Surface entirely covered with Hebrew initials, including acronym of "Ana Bekoach," representing a 42-letter name of G-d; with 14-letter name of G-d; and names of angels (including those that guard against the female demon Lilith). 9X7 cm. Warping, and old repair to back.
References: Feuchtwanger Collection, item nos. 933-34.

Three Islamic amulet pendants, shaped like stylized leaves. Afghanistan and Iran, [early 20th century].
Silver, cast, repoussé, engraved, and punched; soldered silver thread; chased.
1. Necklace with two cylindrical amulet cases and large amulet pendant. Pendant with vegetal patterns, and droplets ("boteh" or paisleys); inscription engraved in strikingly elegant letters. Necklace also with droplet-shaped pendants with floral decorations. Approx. 40X9 cm (pendant: 8X7 cm).
2. Chain with small droplet-shaped pendants and large amulet pendant with green glass bead set in middle. Engraved inscriptions and two droplet-shaped ornaments. Dated 1323 (= 1905 CE) according to the Muslim calendar. 43X8 cm (pendant 9X8 cm).
3. Pendant surmounted by two suspension loops. Decorated with images of two human figures (erased) flanked by fish, droplets, a large bird, and geometric patterns. 10X7 cm.

Two women's amulet pendants in form of square with scalloped dome, with "LaMenatze'ah" Menorah, surmounted by two suspension loops. Iran or the vicinity, [late 19th or early 20th century].
Silver, cast and engraved; chased.
1. At center, "LaMenatze'ah" Menorah encircled by names of angels (including those that guard against the female demon Lilith) and names of G-d. Engraved on back: scorpion, with lock next to it, and next to this, Hebrew name of amulet owner: "Nevkhar (?) daughter of Ezra." 10X6 cm.
2. At center, "LaMenatze'ah" Menorah encircled by Hebrew acronym of "Ana Bekoach," names of G-d, and names of angels that guard against the female demon Lilith. 10X5.5 cm.
Reference: Feuchtwanger Collection, item nos. 876-77.

Three amulet pendants. [Palestine or the vicinity, early 20th century].
Silver, cast and engraved; sheet silver, stamped.
1. Round amulet with suspension loop. At center, relief of hand ("hamsa") symbol, Hebrew name of G-d, and the Hebrew inscriptions "Jerusalem" and "Ben Porat Yosef" (the latter being Jacob's biblical blessing to Joseph [Deuteronomy 49:22], used against the Evil Eye). Edges with floral pattern. Diameter: 6 cm.
2. Round amulet with two suspension loops. On either side, Hebrew acronym of "Ana Bekoach." Diameter: 3.5 cm. Minor blemishes.
3. Small amulet in form of hand ("hamsa") symbol. Various Hebrew inscriptions engraved on front, mostly as initials. Marked "925" on back. Length: 3 cm.
Reference: Feuchtwanger Collection, item no. 980.