紅玉髓 - 银与玛瑙 - 護身符 - 护身符 Ana BeKoach

Antiqu e Middle Eastern Jewish Silver & Engraved Agate Amulet Pendant – "Ana B'Koach" (אנא בכח) – Circa 1900

Item Specifications
* Object: Jewish Talismanic Pendant on Chain
* Origin: Middle East
* Period: Circa 1900
* Pendant Material: Solid Silver (Acid tested positive for at least 800/1000 silver purity)
* Stone: Hand-engraved Natural Red Agate / Carnelian
* Necklace: Silver-color chain (60 cm length)
* Pendant Dimensions: 13 x 13 cm (including lower and side dangling bells)
* Condition: Excellent antique condition with authentic age-appropriate patina and light surface wear.

Description & Cultural Significance
This authentic Middle Eastern Jewish amulet features a central cabochon of natural red agate hand-engraved with Hebrew cabalistic letter combinations, set within a square silver mount. The silversmithing demonstrates regional hand fabrication, incorporating woven wire strands, side dangles, and a fringe of tinkling silver bells designed to ward off negative influences.

The "Ana B'Koach" Prayer (אנא בכח)
The engraved inscription contains the acrostic of Ana B'Koach, a mystical 1st-century prayer attributed to the Kabbalist Rabbi Nehunia ben HaKanah. Composed of 42 words, the initial letters of each word form the sacred 42-letter Name of God (Shem Mem-Bet). In Jewish amuletic tradition, this prayer is revered for its protective power, capability to break negative spiritual decrees, and capacity to elevate spiritual energy.

The Sacred Use of Agate in Jewish Amulets
Red agate (carnelian) occupies a prominent place in historic Jewish gemstone lore (Sgulat Ha-Avanim). Traditionally identified with the Odem stone—the first stone on the High Priest's breastplate (Hoshen)—agate was chosen by Middle Eastern jewelers for its protective properties. Folk tradition holds that agate protects against the Evil Eye (Ayin HaRa), stops bleeding, instills courage, and serves as an effective vessel for holy name engravings.
A rare and visually striking piece of ethnographic Judaica silver, suitable for serious collectors of Jewish ceremonial art and historical amulets.