Pečeti židovských obchodníků s vlnou z Prácheňska z 18. století
Seals of Jewish wool merchants from the Prácheň region from the 18th century

Author(s): Hana Legnerová
Subject(s): Cultural history, Jewish studies, Economic history, Ethnohistory, 18th Century
Published by: Židovské Muzeum v Praze
Keywords: Jewish seals; Mělník estate; 18th century; zodiac symbols; merchant marks; material culture;
Summary/Abstract: The study of Jewish seals from the 18th century in the Mělník estate archives reveals the intricate social and economic interactions of Jewish merchants in Bohemia. These seals, discovered in documents related to the sale of wool, showcase a variety of designs, including zodiac symbols, animals, and merchant marks, reflecting both personal and professional identities. The seals' inscriptions, often in Hebrew and Latin, highlight the integration of Jewish merchants into broader economic networks while maintaining distinct cultural identities. The research underscores the importance of these seals as historical sources, providing insights into the legal and social status of Jews in 18th-century Bohemia. The study also addresses the challenges of interpreting these small and often worn artifacts, emphasizing the need for further research to fully understand their significance. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of Jewish material culture and the complexities of Jewish-Christian interactions during this period.

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