Monday, January 28, 2013

Jewish amulet exhibition

Moriah Galleries Presents Exhibit of Ancient Jewish Amulets

Thursday, 24 January 2013 06:23 By JV Staff (The Jewish Voice)

In its 54th year of specializing in the world’s finest antique Judaica, Moriah Galleries is now presenting a most exquisite exhibition of Jewish amulets that is on view through February at its Manhattan gallery, at 230 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1311.

The extensive collection that has been developed over the last 20 years is comprised of amulets made of various materials including silver, paper and parchment. The vast array of amulets were culled from the length and breadth of the Jewish world; most specifically from Syria, North Africa and Persia and include a number of rare European examples with some never before seen.

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On exhibit at the Moriah gallery are some of the most important and spectacular examples of Jewish amulets and talismans comprising the ancient and old (from cca. 400 to 1900 C.E.) Many of these exude a unique charm and flavor with special meanings and “Hashivut” (importance).

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More on such amulets here and on some modern jewelery inspired by such here. Another exhibition on Jewish magic was noted here.

Meanwhile, Dan Levene's 1998 BAR article on skulls inscribed with incantations gets some attention in The Examiner: Occult news: Babylonian mystery religions, the Talmud and magick skulls. More on the BAR article here and here