Shiviti plaque : Herat, Afghanistan, early 20th century?
Such plaques were hung in the synagogue to inspire more devout prayer.
Physical Description: 1 item ([1] leaf) ; approximately 60 x 48 cm  In Hebrew.
Summary:  Manuscript, ink and paint? on paper. God’s name is written in large letters at the top of the document and two turquoise fish appear among the letters.  They may be there as symbols of fertility.  Throughout the Shiviti are words with that have magic and folk kabbalistic significance. The shiviti includes five seven-branched candelabra formed from calligraphic texts of psalms.  In between the bases of the candelabra are four six-pointed stars formed by Hebrew letters that seem to have magical meanings. The text on the outer border quotes Jacob’s blessing of Joseph in the Book of Genesis.  There is some damage to the text at the bottom.  The plaque is dedicated to the memory of Netanel bar Mosheh, but the identity of the scribe is unknown since only his initials are given.