Two Torah Finials, 18th(?)-19th Century
Gold: chased, pierced, engraved; sheet-metal (backing)
Finial a: 8 1/4 x 3 3/8 in. (21 x 8.5 cm.)
Finial b: 7 5/8 x 3 7/16 in. (19.3 x 8.8 cm.)
Gift of the Michael and Luz Zak Purchase Fund
1982-184a,b ' ; $object_caption = 'Two Torah Finials, 18th(?)-19th Century
Gold: chased, pierced, engraved; sheet-metal (backing)

1982-184a,b ' ; $object_summary = 'According to their tradition, the Jews arrived in Cochin, on the southwest coast of India, before 379 C.E. and maintained a vibrant community until recent emigration to the State of Israel depleted their ranks. Over the centuries, the community assimilated many Indian customs. For example, Indian silversmiths traditionally attach thin plates of silver and gold to base supports when decorating furniture and copper and brass lamps, a technique which has been applied to these rimmonim.

Currently on view in the Permanent Exhibition. '; ?>