GILT SILVER MEZUZAH COVER Morocco, early 20th century

Cut out plaque, in shield form, with geometric and foliate decoration including Stars of David. Hebrew woman’s name “Ya’ut Edrai” and name of God engraved in registers on upper section; includes hanging hook and holes for attaching to fabric backing. Unmarked. H: 261mm.

The use of metal for a Moroccan Mezuzah cover is unusual. These important objects in a Moroccan Jewish home were part of the bride’s dowry, and bore her name. They were most often made of velvet with metallic embroidery. This plaque would have been sewn onto a fabric back. See Israel Museum Catalogue, Jewish Life in Morocco, pp. 62 -63.