Lot 472
Two Vintage Marrano Pieces: Handmade Metal Bris Plate and Mezuzah. Marranos were Jews living in Iberia who converted or were forced to convert to Christianity during the Middle Ages yet continued to practice Judaism in secret. However communities in Portugal continued the tradition well into the 20th Century, which is very well documented with interviews of decendants. From that period come these two traditional marrano pieces: 1.) Brit milah, or short, bris plate used during the circumscision ceremony on eight-day old baby boys. The bris, which started as a covenant between Abraham and God, ties the new-born eternally with God. This plate is of a soft pewter and engraved with a scene of a traditional bris, with all the men in what appears to be 17th century dress. 13 x 19" oval with a recessed center. Plate certainly shows its age, the flanged area around the recess undulates a bit and has Hebrew text engraved. 2.) A fine mezuzah hand fashioned of washed tin but boasting a lovely high relief of floral accents and a shell. Mezuzah is 8½ x 2½" in fine condition, with the usual blessing on parchment. For collectors of Judaica, two fine pieces. Estimate Value $500 - UP
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| Realized $780 |
