Documents from the Early Medieval World

Ketubot (Marriage Contracts)

Artistic expression can be seen in some of the more elaborate ketubot (marriage contracts) preserved in the Cairo Geniza, which include micrographic decoration and beautiful calligraphy colored in red, gold, or blue; in some cases, the ornamentation resembles that in the Masoretic Bible codices. During the early medieval period, ketubot in the Islamic world, which included lengthy dowry lists, began to be read aloud at weddings. They also began to be decorated, perhaps reflecting a newly important role for them. Some fragments found in the Cairo Geniza come from ketubot with decorative headings and ornamented borders, colored letters, and geometric or floral designs.

Amulets

Amulets attest to Jewish engagement with magical and divinatory practices. They are written in Hebrew characters and adjure by name various astral powers and/or angels. They sometimes include images of demons or scorpions (a more mundane fear), as well as magical alphabets and cryptic shapes. Amulets could be written on metal, pottery, parchment, or paper.