Marriage Contract, Ink and gouache on parchment, 1837
Object Name:
Marriage Contract
Place Made:
Tétouan, Morocco
Date:
1837
Medium:
Ink and gouache on parchment
Dimensions:
17 3/16 × 12 in. (43.7 × 30.5 cm)
Credit Line:
Gift of Barbara and Benjamin Zucker Family in honor of Daniel M. Friedenberg
Accession Number:
2008-204

Not On View

This marriage contract (ketubbah) celebrates the joining of Luna daughter of Avraham Coriat and Avraham son of Yaakov Bibas, both members of distinguished families. The groom’s ancestors fled to Morocco following the Expulsion from Spain in 1492 while the bride’s family originated in Marrakesh. The ketubbah reflects both of their heritages. The inscription across the top is found on medieval Spanish marriage contracts while the orange and green colors, and overall floral decoration are characteristic of Moroccan ketubbot. Typical Tétouan elements include the arch flanked by narrow columns and the two birds. The text features passages unique to Sephardic exiles in Morocco and detailed family lineages for both spouses.

Information may change as a result of ongoing research.

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