Samaritan Marriage Contract - Nablus, 1905

Samaritan marriage contract (ketubah). Nablus (Shechem), [1905].
Ink on paper. Samaritan script.
This marriage contract follows the typical text of ketubbot in the Samaritan community in Nablus. The text begins with: "In the name of Hashem, G-d of Israel, we will begin and end", and continues with a poem. The text is placed within a geometric border in red ink, topped by a dome-shaped decoration.
69.5X49.5 cm. Good condition. Folding marks and many creases. Stains. Several light tears. Marginal pen inscription (in Hebrew).
The Samaritan alphabet is based on the Paleo-Hebrew alphabet, which was the script used by Jews in early times, before Ketav Ashuri (square script) was adopted. The Samaritan marriage contract is customarily signed by the priest, the two witnesses, the groom and father of the bride. After the conclusion of the reading of the marriage contract, in a special ceremony during the wedding, the marriage contract is handed over to the father of the bride, and according to the Samaritan custom, is never opened following the wedding, except in the case of a divorce.