Amulet for protection of birthing mother and newborn. [Afghanistan, late 19th century].

Ink on parchment.

Large amulet, meant for hanging on wall. Written on square parchment sheet, comprising a variety of verses, permutations of letters, initials, names of angels and illustrations for protection of a birthing mother and newborn. Includes illustrations of three angels offering protection from Lilith, according to the Book of Raziel, and an illustration of the palm of a hand. At the bottom appears a caption declaring that "with the power of these Names, may You protect the birthing mother from the evil eye, Amen". Frame decorated with vegetal pattern.

37X44.5 cm. Fair condition. Folding marks and creases. Stains. Left margins lacking, repaired with paper. Open tears and defects to upper fourth, affecting text, non-professionally restored with parchment to verso.

For a similar item, see: Filip Vukosavović (ed.), Angels and Demons: Jewish Magic through the Ages, Jerusalem: Bible Lands Museum, 2010, p. 125 (Hebrew). See also: Kedem, Online Auction 47, 6 June 2023, Lot 224, and Auction 92, 2 May 2023, Lot 137.