Jewish amulets (kameot) have long served as protective objects, their parchment inscriptions carrying prayers, divine names, and mystical figures believed effective to ward off harm. The idea of a rolled parchment offering divine protection has ancient origins, first appearing in the biblical commandment of the mezuzah. Over the millenia, Jewish amulets have expanded this concept, inscribing texts and symbols upon scrolls intended to be worn by those in need of their protection. These amulets, often rolled and encased, were found throughout the Jewish diaspora, including in the famed Cairo Genizah.
 
In the late-nineteenth century, scribes began creating ilanot for the express purpose of serving as amulets--often simply by adding promises and instruction at their tops or bottoms. Such an addition is easily seen atop this stunning enlargement taken from the opening of the so-called “Two-Column Ilan” designed by the north African kabbalist R. Isaac Coppio (ca. 1680–1730). This ilan-amulet was likely crafted in Jerusalem around 1900 on goat parchment by the scribe Nissim Sejera, a Bukharan master sofer. Like many ilan-amulets, it retains the full ilan — originally intended for study and contemplation —  repurposed for protective use. Now, presented at an enlarged scale, this beautiful amulet offers a rare glimpse into a tradition where sacred art and divine safeguarding intertwine.
 
Courtesy of the National Library of Israel, Ms. Heb. 9788=4