19th-early 20th century Hanukkah Lamp from Morocco

The central decorative element on this lamp is the seven-branch menorah, flanked by two vases. From ancient times, the lamp was supposed to be hung on the doorpost of one's home, to publicize the miracle that took place during the Maccabean revolt. As one entered the door, the lamp would be on the left, opposite the mezuzah. Although in later times many Jewish communities came to place the light indoors, many Moroccan Jews have preserved the earlier tradition.