Matzo seal matrix
Type:
Seals
Date:
Fourteenth–fifteenth century
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Spain
Medium:
Bronze
Dimensions:
Approximately 3.5 cm diameter
Description:
This stamp or seal matrix, made of bronze or latten, was found in Espluga de Francolí, a small town in Catalonia. At the center is a bird, apparently flying; a six-pointed star; and some sprigs of grain. The Hebrew inscription around the circumference begins at the crescent and says, "Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread; in peace"—instructions for Passover drawn from Exodus 12:15 (Jews outside of Israel celebrate for eight days rather than the original seven). The letters are backwards because this is a matrix, used to impress seals, and not a seal itself. It must have been used to mark matzos, or containers of matzo, used by Jews for Passover. A short handle on the back facilitated making impressions in wax or clay.
The seal matrix is very similar to one used to make a plaster impression found in a nearby field; the current location of that impression is unknown. It showed a different bird, and its Hebrew inscription said, "Seal of guarded [i.e., unfermented, unleavened] matzo," with a name, N'Astruc Isaac Rossell. The circumstances of this find raise questions, but given the survival of the very similar "Seven days" seal, it was probably authentic.
Between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries, many well-to-do European Jews and Christians used personal seals. The circular shape was preferred, and the crescent moon and star are not unusual on Jewish seals. Despite these familiar features, the two(?) Catalan matrices are unique in their explicit references to Passover.
The seal matrix is very similar to one used to make a plaster impression found in a nearby field; the current location of that impression is unknown. It showed a different bird, and its Hebrew inscription said, "Seal of guarded [i.e., unfermented, unleavened] matzo," with a name, N'Astruc Isaac Rossell. The circumstances of this find raise questions, but given the survival of the very similar "Seven days" seal, it was probably authentic.
Between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries, many well-to-do European Jews and Christians used personal seals. The circular shape was preferred, and the crescent moon and star are not unusual on Jewish seals. Despite these familiar features, the two(?) Catalan matrices are unique in their explicit references to Passover.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
10,
11
Repository and Online Resources:
The seal matrix is in the Museo de la Vida Rural, Espluga de Francolí, inv. no. MVR2424.
Image Credits:
Prof. Antonio Carreras Casanovas , used by permission; Linda Safran
