In Europe
during the Middle Ages, papercuts were hung inside Jewish homes when
superstitious amulets were considered important charms to ward off evil spirits
and bring good luck. Amulets which carried any of the names of G-d
carried the most powerful magic, giving special meaning to charms written on or
made of paper.
Popular
written amulets were mezuzot, fixed to the doorway of a house to keep
evil spirits from entering, and papercuts, which were hung inside a home
especially to protect women and young children. Papercuts were often made
for such family events as the birth of a child, circumcisions, weddings,
birthdays, and yartzaits (memorials), as well as devotional
designs for religious festivals
and holidays.
Like other Jewish ritual objects, Jewish papercuts did not feature human
subjects or depict daily life. Instead, like other Jewish art, they featured many
traditional Jewish symbols including birds, lions, gazelles and other animals,
menorahs, stars of David, tablets of the Law, columns to commemorate the Temple, and floral
decorations. Often they also include calligraphic inscriptions or writing
with specific prayers or texts.
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My papercut
designs were inspired by the stories of the Hidden Jews of New Mexico,and they
draw on traditional Jewish symbols, combined with designs from Pueblo Indian
pottery and basketware and elements of Sephardic (Spanish) and
"Santa Fe"
style found throughout the Southwest.
There are
certain elements I try to use in most designs, such as symbols of the four
elements -- air, water, earth, fire—as well as plants and fruit. Many of
my designs also incorporate mystical numbers and Hebrew words, names or
phrases.
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