Israel
Jewish (S. Ohana)

Metal
1982
Height: 9.5 in; Width: 4.38 in; Depth: 4.38 in
Other – Ritual Symbolism – Statue 

Engraved on the back:  Handcrafted / by / S. OHANA / Jerusalem / m.s. / 1982

 This figure is of a Jewish man playing the shofar, a ram’s horn, which is considered an essential instrument in Jewish tradition.  According to the Bible, the shofar was used by Moses to announce the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16).  Historically, the shofar has been used for many occasions including religious ceremonies, a call for action in times of war, and celebrations.

Today, depending upon how it is played/blown during Rosh Hashanah (marking of the beginning of the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (‘Day of Atonement’), it is both a call to repentance and a herald of God’s Kingship, embodying the essence of Judaism itself. 

A spring hidden inside the figure allows it to move back and forth. The surface is decorated with embossed patterns including the Magen David also known as the ‘Star of David’, recognized as the symbol of Jewish identity and Judaism.  The hair and beard are made from springs and chains. On the back it is signed and dated.