Two sword-shaped ("sipa") amulets. Iraqi Kurdistan or Iran, [late 19th or early 20th century].
Silver, cast and engraved.
1. Amulet, engraved on both sides, with Hebrew names of angels (including those that guard against the female demon Lilith), initials of verses, including "Ben Porat Yosef" (Jacob's biblical blessing to Joseph [Deuteronomy 49:22], used against the Evil Eye), and a Hebrew inscription referring to defensive "boundaries and fences" to protect "the bearer of this amulet." Length: 9.5 cm.
2. Amulet, engraved on one side only, with names of G-d, names of angels, and an inscription to establish protective boundaries for "the bearer of this amulet." Length: 8.5 cm.
Both amulets have holes at their ends, to enable them to be sewn onto garments. In the exhibition catalogue "Jews of Kurdistan" (see below), it is pointed out that amulets such as these would be sewn onto hats or onto shoulders of garments, as protection specifically for a child whose siblings passed away.
References: Jews of Kurdistan: Lifestyle, Tradition, and Art, p. 184; Feuchtwanger Collection, item nos. 817-18.