(click on each design to see a larger view)

Papercut FAQ

To order Customized Papercut Designs

nanrubin@nanrubin.com

PAPERCUT AMULETS Papercuts were hung inside Jewish homes in Europe from before the Middle Ages, when superstitious amulets were considered important charms to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Amulets which included any of the names of G-d carried the most powerful Jewish magic, giving special meaning to charms written on paper. Especially popular written amulets were mezuzot, affixed to the doorpost of a house to keep evil spirits from entering, and papercuts, which were hung inside a home particularly to protect women and young children. When living in Denver, I produced the highly acclaimed 1988 public radio documentary "Search for the Buried Past: The Hidden Jews of New Mexico," the story of living descendants of converted Spanish Jews who have maintained remnants of a secret Jewish culture in rural New Mexico for more than 400 years. I began creating papercuts because of the powerful spiritual impact which this incredible story has had on me. Drawing on designs from Pueblo Indian pottery, elements of Sephardic (Spanish) and "Santa Fe" style found throughout the southwest, and Jewish images, I try to integrate Native American and Jewish symbols into each papercut. There are certain elements I use in every design which represent commonalities to both Native American cosmology and Jewish mystical tradition, such as six points of the Star of David, which, to Native Americans, are the six cardinal directions. Also, I use papers that are the colors of the region—sage green, sandstone, haze blue, etc, reinforcing the spirituality which permeates the mesa landscapes. Every papercut also includes symbols of the four elements -- air, water, earth, fire—and many include mystical numbers and Hebrew words, names or phrases. Some of the Native American symbols I use: Eagle Feathers - Denoting the power of the Great Spirit Squash Blossoms/Pomegranates - Fertility Flowing Water designs - Lifeblood to desert peoples Corn - The sacred gift of food and abundance from the Earth Lighting bolts - Life-giving rain to sustain crops and desert people Jewish symbols I use: Star of David - Symbol of the Jewish People Six-Petaled Flower - Used by Sephardic Jews as a substitute Star of David Grapes - Joy and sustenance from the Earth Sun/Moon/Stars - Heaven and the Universe Mountains - Sacred places where the spirit of G-d resides Rainbow Arc/Sky God - A symbol of the Covenant and peace Book - The Book of Life Candles - Representing the holy spirit in the home, secret Jews lit candles but hid them in cupboards or under upturned bowls so no one could see burning. Papercuts similar to these which include the names of individuals or couples, personal symbols, and other appropriate elements can be commissioned for weddings or other occasions. Information on the three radio programs about "The Hidden Jews of New Mexico" is also available. LINK: Beatrice Coron has a wonderful web site with lots of info and links to papercuts http://www.beatricecoron.com