- Object Name:
- Amuletic Dagger
- Place Made:
- North Africa, Morocco
- Date:
- late 19th-early 20th century
- Medium:
- Blade: iron; handle: wood
- Dimensions:
- 17 × 2 1/4 × 1 in. (43.2 × 5.7 × 2.5 cm)
- Credit Line:
- Purchase: Judaica Acquisitions Fund
- Accession Number:
- 1993-198
Not On View
This dagger was used in Moroccan Jewish rituals to keep demons away following the birth of a male child. During the day the dagger was placed beneath the mother's mattress. In the evening the father waved the sword around the room while the assembled guests recited prayers.
Information may change as a result of ongoing research.