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Metadata
Object Name |
Mezuzah |
Date |
19th century |
Place of Origin |
Probably Eastern Europe |
Dimensions |
4 1/4 x 1 1/4 in. (10.8 x 3.2 cm) |
Accession Number |
B.273 |
Credit line |
The Ralph and Leuba Baum Collection |
About This Work |
In many Jewish homes, a mezuzah is installed on the doorpost or frame. It contains two texts from Deuteronomy handwritten on parchment. Observant Jews will "kiss" the mezuzah by touching it and then bringing their fingers to their lips each time they enter or leave a home or other room or building. There are no prescriptions for the design of the cases and they often reflect the styles of the times and places in which they are made. The crown atop this mezuzah is a common symbol in Jewish art and can symbolize the Torah or God. The design emphasizes the curving forms of the foliage and branches balanced at top and bottom by two birds. |