Artworks
ARTISTS
PRESS RELEASE:
UM SUBIYAN
Orit Akta, Ofir Akta, Raz Akta
Curator: Ofra Seri
“No harm will befall you, no plague will approach your tent.” (Psalms 91:10)
The “Um Subiyan” exhibition (Yemeni for “Mother of Spirits”) by artists Raz Akta (jewelry), Orit Akta (painting), Ofir Akta (jewelry) explores the magical-traditional world of Yemeni Jews and how it has shaped their cultural, traditional, and ceremonial practices over time.
Magic is a universal phenomenon, transcending class, age, and education. Throughout history, people have turned to spirits, amulets, and incantations to make sense of the unknown and to seek protection. These beliefs are not confined to Jewish culture; they have appeared across societies worldwide. However, their deep historical roots give them a significant place in the study of human culture and consciousness. Even today, these beliefs continue to influence how people navigate challenges, with the power of self-persuasion (autosuggestion) often helping individuals feel more secure and in control, regardless of whether the practices themselves have any tangible effect.
Jewish texts reference spirits and demons frequently. In Deuteronomy, they are connected to idolatry: “They sacrificed to demons, not to God” (Deuteronomy 32:17). In the Babylonian Talmud, spirits are discussed as real and potent forces, described as ‘destroying angels,’ ‘harmful spirits,’ and ‘evil spirits.’ One famous example from the Cairo Geniza is the legend of King Solomon and Ashmedai, the King of Spirits. According to the medieval scholar Ramban (Nachmanides), spirits were so named because they dwelled in desolate, uninhabited places.
Within the ancient Yemeni Jewish community, magical beliefs were an essential part of daily life. These traditions, passed down from generation to generation, blended biblical teachings with centuries-old wisdom and even environmental influences. For protection against spirits, curses, and the evil eye, Yemeni Jews employed a range of methods. Special prayers, amulets, herbs like Yemeni basil and rue, symbolic jewelry, and body adornments were all used to shield the family and home from negative forces.
In the “Um Subiyan” exhibition, the second- and third-generation artists of Yemeni descent honor the wisdom of their ancestors. Their work is a testament to a deep cultural heritage, one rooted in both the mystical and the practical. Although modern life may seem distant from these traditions, the legacy of Yemeni Jewish beliefs continues to resonate, preserving a connection to the past while still shaping the present.
