Imitation Circumcision Set

The knife in this set was both too dull and too thick for use in a circumcision. Meanwhile, ivory, used in the handle and the shield, is not ideal for circumcision tools, as it can not be easily sterilized. It can thus be concluded that this object is a fake circumcision set. Ivory was rare in Europe prior to the 20th century. Examples of fake Judaica, too, are mostly recent, created for the most part in the second half of the 20th century. As a result, this object is most likely of (probably mid or late) 20th century origin.

In collections

Adath Israel

Details

Title: Imitation Circumcision Set
Extent: 4.1 cm (height) x 16.2 cm (diameter) (1 5/8 x 6 3/8 in)
Place of Publication: Origin unknown
Genre: circumcision knife
Copyright: Images of objects are presented courtesy of Wesleyan University and Congregation Adath Israel, Middletown, Connecticut. Materials are In Copyright – Non-Commercial Use Permitted (InC-NC). For beyond fair use cases permission is required; please contact both Wesleyan University as the source of the images, and Adath Israel Museum, Middletown, CT, as the repository where the original objects can be found.
Topic: Jewish decoration and adornment
Jewish art and symbolism
Jewish arts
Judaism -- Liturgical objects
Jewish art objects
Notes: 20th century
This is a low-resolution image based on prior standards. Contact digitallab@wesleyan.edu for more information.
Collection: Adath Israel Collection
Location: Adath Israel Museum, Middletown, CT

Digital Collections

Imitation Circumcision Set

In collections