Buckle amulet for protection of a woman giving birth and her baby. Persia, late 19th century.
Punched silver, engraved and soldered.
Amulet which was most probably used as a belt buckle or worn on the shoulder. The buckle is made of three parts - the middle part is square and the sides are designed as a Persian arch, attached with hinges. In the center - an engraved flower surrounded by the name of the amulet owner: "Hannah Bat Sarah" and framed Kabbalistic verses. Amongst the inscriptions: name of G-d in 42 letters, and a abbreviation of "Ana BeKoa’ch" prayer. On the sides appear more Kabbalistic names.
Length: 15 cm, width: 5 cm.
For a similar item see: Jewish Tradition in Art: The Feuchtwanger Collection of Judaica, by Dr. Isaiah Shachar (The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, 1971), item no. 931.