Overview
This is an example of how a relatively simple treatment can call into play a complex range of Preservation decision making abilities and Conservation skills. This use study aims to present some of the factors which are taken into consideration when approaching treatment of collections’ materials.
Background
The Iranian-Kurdish Ketubbah (Jewish marriage document) is part of the Library’s collection of illustrated Hebraica from Iran. The ketubbah was issued in 1936 and is from Bijar, a town near Senandaj which had a large Jewish community. During this period Iran was an important center of illustration in the Islamic lands. The Arabic stamp appears to be the work of local authorities. This ketubbah is especially interesting and unusual because it was produced in Iranian Kurdistan. It came to the Library through purchase in 2006 and strengthens the Library’s collection of illustrated Hebraica from Iran and of Jewish marriage documents.
Left: Iranian ketubbah. Center: Turkish ketubbah. Right: Moroccan ketubbah.
