Otisky zaniklého světa (K užívání a podobě židovských pečetí v 17. a 18. století)
Imprints of a Disappeared World (On the Use and Form of Jewish Seals in the 17th and 18th Centuries)

Author(s): Hana Legnerová
Subject(s): Cultural history, Jewish studies, Ethnohistory, 17th Century, 18th Century
Published by: Židovské Muzeum v Praze
Keywords: Jewish seals; 17th and 18th century; Bohemia; State Regional Archive; material culture; genealogy;
Summary/Abstract: The study explores the use and appearance of Jewish seals in 17th and 18th century Bohemia, focusing on the limited physical artifacts that can be definitively linked to specific individuals. It highlights the challenges in identifying Jewish seals due to their scarcity in national collections and the predominance of seals attached to official documents. The research draws on materials from several estates in the State Regional Archive in Litoměřice, revealing the presence of Jewish seals on various administrative documents. The study also examines the variability in the design of these seals, noting influences from both Jewish tradition and contemporary non-Jewish styles. It underscores the importance of these seals in understanding the material and spiritual culture of their owners. The findings include detailed descriptions of the seals' physical characteristics, such as size, shape, and imagery, which often featured zodiac signs and traditional Jewish symbols. The study concludes that Jewish seals provide valuable insights into the genealogy, social status, and cultural practices of the Jewish community in early modern Bohemia.

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