Birth Amulet

Artist Unknown

ca. 1750

Printed birth amulet. The decorative borders are composed of printers’ devices and decorations that were used by printers in Fürth (Bavaria), so it is assumed that this amulet was printed in that city. At the bottom are printed the names of the three angels invoked to protect mother and child from Lilith: Sanoi, Sansanoi, and Smangalaf. There are also some formulas specific to protection from Lilith. From Germany, 1750.

Printed page with Hebrew text surrounded by decorative floral border.
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Printed birth amulet from Germany. The decorative borders are composed of printers’ devices and decorations that were used by printers in Fürth (Bavaria), so it is assumed that this amulet was printed in that city. At the bottom are printed the names of the three angels (Sanoi, Sansanoi, and Smangalaf) invoked to protect mother and child from the demon Lilith, who, according to folklore, was Adam’s first wife. There are also some formulas that are specific to protection from Lilith.

Credits

Courtesy GFC Trust / William L. Gross. Photo by Ardon bar Hama.

Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 5.

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