121st High Priest of the Samaritans (Signed postcard, 1920s)
Signed by Yitzhaq II ben Amram ben Shalma ben Tabia
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Printing Details
This postcard features Yitzhaq II ben Amram ben Shalma ben Tabia (often referred to in English as Isaac, son of Amram), who served as the 121st Samaritan High Priest from 1916 until his death in 1932.
The photograph shows the High Priest in traditional religious attire, characterized by his turban and long robe. He is posed next to what is identified as the Abisha Scroll, a highly sacred manuscript of the Samaritan Pentateuch. According to Samaritan tradition, the Abisha Scroll was written by Abishua, the great-grandson of Aaron, making it one of the most revered religious artifacts in their community.
Signed to the reverse. Firstly, there is Samaritan Hebrew Script: These top two lines are written in the ancient Samaritan script, a variant of Paleo-Hebrew. This is a personal signature or inscription by the High Priest himself.
There is an English annotation below the script, where another hand has added: "Isaac son of Amram High Priest of the Samaritans."
Postcards like this were often produced in the early 20th century, particularly during the British Mandate period, as souvenirs for travellers and scholars visiting Nablus and Mount Gerizim.
Condition
The postcard has light edgewear but is otherwise in good condition.
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