Amulet case adorned with menorah, censer, Tablets of the Law, and incense altar

These types of amulet cases, called Shaddai, were hung above a baby's cradle. They were originally used to contain an amulet, inscribed on paper or parchment, and intended to protect the child from the violence of nature and from sorcery and demons.

Credit: The Stieglitz Collection was donated to the Museum with the contribution of Erica and Ludwig Jesselson, New York, to American Friends of the Israel Museum Israel Museum, Jerusalem